27/02/2026
💉 Did you know? 💉
There are three types of blood vessels in the body: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart, capillaries allow for nutrient exchange with body tissues, and veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
When blood is pumped through the arteries, one-way valves in the veins help the blood flow towards the heart. But if these valves don’t work properly, veins can become swollen, twisted, and visible on the surface of the skin – especially in the legs and feet. This is what's known as varicose veins.
It's incredibly common, particularly in women, and can come with symptoms like leg swelling, itching, a burning sensation, or dull pain. You might also notice small "spider veins" branching out.
What causes it?
Genetics is the main factor, but pregnancy, standing for long periods, obesity, and aging can also trigger varicose veins.