Varicose and spider veins, known in the medical community as venous insufficiency, occur when blood is backed-up in the vein and not flowing smoothly. The result is an aesthetically unattractive, and at times physically painful, visible vein condition. An excess of blood in the veins can also be caused by hormonal changes and injuries.

Veins affected by venous insufficiency can take on a number of physical characteristics, such as discoloration and/or a bulging, cordlike feel. They typically appear on the legs and are an especially common nuisance for women. The main reason they’re so common on the legs is because the veins are acting against gravity in that area of the body-the heart pumps blood out to all areas of the body, and the legs have valves that act as one-way flaps for incoming and outgoing blood. When the blood has reached the furthest points of the body, the veins pump the blood back to the heart. Over time, the valves in the lower half of the body can weaken, resulting in an excess of blood in the veins in the legs. This is when we describe the veins as “varicose.” They can itch and cause pain, fatigue, rashes, or swelling, but are, fortunately, very treatable.