It's just varicose veins. I don't believe they are harmful and are just cosmetic. Georgie Hincapie had some gnarly ones but I believe has since had them cosmetically taken care of.

---

My Strava | My Instagram | Summerville, SC | 35-39 AG | 4:41 (70.3), 10:05 (140.6) | 3x70.3, 1x140.6 | Cat 2 Cyclist

The veins are still there.

They can become problematic, leading to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency and I guess in a worst case scenario venous ulcers. Not sure if endurance athletes are less likely to get the complications than sedentary folks or not. I know a fairly accomplished runner who attempted to have her's addressed with surgery and it didn't help.

interesting that, the facebook post i got this from someone made the same statement

My siblings and I have had the issue of a failed valve which causes this issue in our legs. We have all had this valve cauterized and the veins stripped. In our case the valve failure doesn’t allow the blood to be appropriately move through the body and the blood pools in the leg veins which could cause clotting. It is a simple procedure and you have to let your leg heal for a couple of weeks under compression. I remember telling the doctor that my legs feel lighter and he said that they were since the blood was moving normal again. We were all in out early 50s when we had this done.

I think it is very much genetic. Varicose veins seem to run in families. Unlikely it is caused by ped use, see plenty little old ladies with some shockers.

I had knarly varicose veins in just my left leg for many years - the veins bulged out all the way down the leg permanently but became even more pronounced after exercise - nothing to do with doping, just my genetics from my mum. Finally had a doc look at them and you know there is a problem when the doc leaves the room and comes back with the entire class of junior docs to see your leg. I had the veins stripped and cauterized (forget the exact procedure).

but then is it necessary, as you can see these are top runners doing well. although long term health remains unasnwered

from my experience intervention, ie. surgery, is only necessary if the varicose vein causes pain or there are other issues related to the underlying cause of the varicose vein. Many times it is merely an aesthetic issue. If it is aesthetic then your insurance (in the US) will not cover the surgery, however, if they cause pain or can contribute to other issues then the surgery can be deemed medically necessary. My doc was amazed at the size (of my veins) as for aesthetic reasons many people would have had them removed earlier.
If this same process / rationalization is applied in other countries then you could see how athletes may continue competing with these prominent veins.
Dehydration will definitely make the veins more prominent - example bodybuilders/fitness competitors cutting before competitions.

I had a bulging vein develop on my right shin after I started running longer distances. I saw a vein specialist here in Tampa and as another poster said one cause is genetics and has to do with the valve failing which prevents blood flow from moving up to the heart so the blood pools and the pressure causes expansion. It’s not painful for me and she recommended wearing calf/compression sleeves which I do now for every bike and run. The expansion has stopped but it’s still apparent especially after workouts. A new procedure to get rid of the bulging involves insertion of a tube down the vein and pulling it back out while leaving glue behind so the vein stays closed/flat. As long as there’s good blood flow elsewhere, it’s supposed to be OK. I am opting to just watch it and wait.

I had a bad varicose vein in my left calf when I was in my 30’s and it would cause my calf to feel heavy and tingly after exercise. Compression socks made it feel worse. I opted to have vein stripping and sklerotherapy. It was such a simple procedure - I was awake and watched it. It cleared right up and I haven’t had anything redevelop over 10 years later. Wish I hadn’t waited. It’s mostly cosmetic but also feels crappy.

Varicose veins are definitely hereditary. My Mom has them and me and my brothers have had them for years. Ive had my right calf stripped 3 times, and the left twice in the last 20 years (58 now). I have a consult in a couple weeks to start the process again. I have no pain with mine, but the back of the knee feels tight, so really a combination of aesthetics and function. But my biggest concern is the venous insufficiency. After exercise the veins are very distended, a direct indication that the veins are not transporting blood as effectively as they should. I wear calf sleeves most of the time, training and standing at work, and I do feel a difference after wearing them. But they don't limit my training or racing, did 2 fulls last year and ready fro a full season this year.

just saw a vid on the tube and was reminded on this thread, at least this kind of answers to a cause, so yea doesnt sound healthy: