What causes net-like red streaks on the knee?
Nov 29, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, the appearance of reticular red streaks on the knees may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing leading to poor blood circulation, thin and sensitive skin stratum corneum, capillary dilation, livedo reticularis, or varicose veins. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, engaging in moderate exercises such as brisk walking or swimming can help strengthen lower limb muscles.
Under normal circumstances, the appearance of reticular red streaks on the knees may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing leading to poor blood circulation, thin and sensitive skin stratum corneum, telangiectasia, livedo reticularis, varicose veins, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Prolonged sitting or standing causing poor circulation: Long-term maintenance of fixed postures can obstruct blood return in the knee area, causing blood vessels to become engorged and form reticular red patterns. It is advised to get up and move every 30 minutes, perform 10–15 knee flexion and extension exercises, and elevate the knees above heart level during rest to promote venous return.
2. Thin and sensitive skin stratum corneum: The stratum corneum on the knee skin is naturally thin, making blood vessels prone to dilation and visible red streaks when exposed to temperature changes. Avoid washing the knees with excessively hot water, apply gentle moisturizing creams regularly, and protect the knees from sun exposure outdoors to reduce external irritation.
3. Telangiectasia: Reduced elasticity in the capillaries around the knees leads to persistent vessel dilation, resulting in reticular red markings. Follow medical advice to apply medications such as mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream, heparin sodium cream, or centella asiatica glycoside ointment, gently massaging to enhance absorption.
4. Livedo reticularis: Local circulatory disturbance due to vascular spasms and constriction causes reticular red patterns on the knees, which become more prominent in cold conditions. Keep the knees warm and avoid cold exposure. Follow medical recommendations to take medications such as nifedipine tablets, nicotinic acid tablets, or enteric-coated aspirin tablets to improve vascular function.
5. Varicose veins: Damage to venous valves in the knee area leads to blood reflux, vessel dilation, and the formation of reticular red patterns, which worsen after prolonged standing. Avoid extended periods of standing, wear medical compression stockings, and follow medical advice to use drugs such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction tablets, diosmin tablets, or calcium dobesilate capsules. In severe cases, surgical intervention like high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein may be performed to remove diseased veins and relieve symptoms.
Daily moderate exercises such as brisk walking or swimming can strengthen lower limb muscles and improve leg circulation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid tight garments that compress blood vessels around the knees, thus maintaining healthy skin and vascular function in the knee area.
