What Causes Varicose Veins Around the Ankles?

Medically reviewed by Thomas Militano, MD, PhD, RPVI, on June 24, 2025

Varicose veins around the ankles are more than a cosmetic matter. They’re a visible warning that the tiny valves in your leg veins aren’t keeping up with the pressure of blood flow. While many people think of varicose veins as an issue of the calf or thigh, the delicate skin and network of vessels near the ankle can reveal early signs of vascular strain.

In this post, we’ll explore the root causes of those bulging blue or purple lines around your ankles, help you understand why they develop, and offer simple steps to support healthier veins from the ground up.

Remember: Your legs deserve the best care. Schedule a consultation with Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) today and start your journey to smoother, stronger ankles.

📞Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or book online at a CVR clinic near you.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Put simply, varicose veins are veins that aren’t working as well as they should. Normally, tiny one-way valves inside veins direct blood back toward your heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood can pool and stretch their walls. This makes the veins swell, twist, or bulge.

Varicose veins usually appear in the legs as blue or dark purple lines under the skin, but they can also form around the ankles. Ankle veins often swell and bulge over time because they must work harder against gravity to send blood back to the heart. At first, this may seem like only a cosmetic issue, but if left untreated, varicose veins can lead to aching, itching, or even changes in the skin.

Ankle Varicose Veins: A Closer Look

Why do varicose veins often appear around the ankles? Ankle and lower leg veins work hard against gravity to carry blood back up your legs. Pressure builds in these veins every time you stand or walk. If the valves in those veins weaken, blood pools, causing the vein walls to expand. Since the ankle region is the lowest point in your standing body, it experiences the greatest gravitational pull. According to Healthline, this chronic pressure can lead to visible, enlarged veins around both ankles.

Treating and Preventing Ankle Varicose Veins

While professional therapies are optimal for treating the root cause of ankle varicose veins (chronic venous insufficiency), it’s important to recognize that you can also improve uncomfortable symptoms with simple home remedies, which include:

• Wearing Flat, Supportive Shoes
  Be thoughtful with your clothing choices and ditch high heels; instead, choose flats that allow your ankle to move freely. This helps your calf muscles pump blood back up your legs.
• Eating for Healthy Veins
  Fill your plate with berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and onions. These foods have vitamins and antioxidants that keep your vein walls strong. Cut back on sugary, salty, or processed foods that slow circulation.
• Elevating Your Legs
  Lie down and prop your feet up on pillows or rest them against a wall for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Raising your legs above your heart helps ease pressure and allows pooled blood to drain away.
• Keep Moving
  A daily walk, ankle pumps, or simple calf stretches wake up your leg muscles and help push blood along. You don’t need a gym! Just get up and move every hour or so.
• Use Compression Stockings
  Slip on medical-grade compression stockings that squeeze your lower legs. This gentle pressure pushes blood upward and reduces swelling. You can buy them over the counter or get a prescription pair for stronger support. (NOTE: Our board-certified CVR vein specialists are glad to measure you to ensure a perfectly snug fit!)

Let CVR Address Your Ankle Varicose Vein Concerns

Whether you’re on your feet all day, carry extra weight, or you’ve inherited weaker vein walls due to genetics (more on this in our FAQ), bulging ankle veins trace back to poor blood flow and valve damage. Understanding these root causes empowers you to take control by breaking up long periods of standing or sitting, elevating your legs throughout the day, and staying active to pump blood upstream.

Remember, CVR’s modern treatments, such as sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy, offer effective relief when varicose veins become painful or difficult to manage. You can protect your ankle veins and enjoy better circulation for years to come by combining smart lifestyle changes with CVR’s professional vein care. Your legs will thank you!

Are you concerned about bulging ankle veins? Reserve your spot with our vein specialist to get your questions answered and find relief in one quick and convenient visit. Click the button below ⬇️ or call 📞 our Patient Services Representatives at 240-965-3915 to book a consultation at a CVR near you.

Ankle Varicose Veins: Frequently Asked Questions

Does family history play a role in ankle varicose veins?

Genetics can make you more likely to develop varicose veins. If one or both of your parents had them, your vein walls and valves might be weaker from the start. This inherited weakness shows up more under stress from standing or extra weight, making regular vein check-ups wise if varicose veins run in your family.

Can pregnancy cause varicose veins around the ankles?

Pregnancy increases blood volume and raises progesterone levels, which relaxes the vein walls and slows blood flow. The growing baby’s weight also adds extra pressure on the pelvic and leg veins. This combination often causes ankle varicose veins to appear or worsen in the second and third trimesters. However, they usually improve a few months after delivery and can be treated if they persist.

What symptoms around the ankles should prompt a check for varicose veins?

Look for any new bulging, twisted veins around your ankles, especially if they appear blue or dark purple. You might also notice itching, skin discoloration, or a feeling of heaviness and aching in the lower legs.
Early on, symptoms may be mild and only on one side. Over time, untreated varicose veins can lead to swelling, skin ulcers, or blood clots. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or skin changes, schedule an evaluation with a vein specialist to prevent complications.