Why does my child have a visible vein on his right foot?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

First, my apologies for the delayed reply; I just came back and saw your query. I can imagine your worry and concern for your son.

A photograph of the foot definitely gives more insight into the problem, and if you can share one, it will be of great help.

Varicose veins at this age are not that common. As this has appeared for only a few weeks, there is the possibility of some local causes that may be benign and disappear in due time.

At this age, repeated mild trauma while playing, if the same area is involved every time, may pool the blood in the veins of that area. Also, if he is overactive, playing while standing for long durations can give rise to similar findings by blood pooling, but then having it only in one foot does not go much in favor of it.

Another cause may be due to tight stockings; check if he has recently started wearing it or sleeping with stockings on.

These are all very temporary issues and resolve in a few weeks if taken care of by avoiding those trigger factors.

It also needs to rule out some vascular anomalies that have exaggerated and popped up now. For this, you need to get done an ultrasonography test of that region. It will give good information to proceed further in the right direction if more tests are required.

Regarding the sore knee, more information is required, like

1. Is there any swelling of the knee, or is he limping and avoiding bearing weight on that leg?

2. Is there any other joint involvement?

Just to summarize, look for local causes such as stocking, injury, and long-standing time. Try to avoid all those. Simultaneously get done with the sonography test of the right foot.

If sonography comes back normal, then just wait & watch for a couple of weeks; it will resolve, and no treatment will be required. Share a clear-colored photograph to look at it along with other information I mentioned above.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.

I saw the photo (attachment removed to preserve patients' identity), and it is just a prominent vein quite similar to one you might see in an athletic person or bodybuilder. It does not seem to be of any worry. As he skates quite a bit, it definitely puts more stress on his feet, and he might be putting more pressure on his right foot. This is just a possibility. Having proper shoes and skates will take care of it.

About the knee, what you have mentioned is like a locked knee. When he is standing straight with both legs together, his knees will touch each other, and his feet will remain a bit apart. If this angle of the knee and foot is small, then nothing is required, but if it is significant, it may put unequal pressure on the ankle.

He may sometimes feel difficulty in running as his knees hit each other. You are right, it may give rise to some knee pain. It needs a physical checkup. What you have already planned is booking a visit with your general practitioner (GP). He/She may advise some special X-rays to check for the angles if needed.

Again, to summarize, looking at the picture, there is nothing to worry about;

1. Take care of his shoes & skates.

2. Get his knee positions and angles evaluated physically by your doctor.

I hope I have addressed your concerns.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.