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Warning-sign checks

Varicose veins: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if you develop sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, cough up blood, faint, or feel severely unwell with leg swelling.

    These can be signs of a clot reaching the lungs.

    Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding from a varicose vein is also an emergency.

    Raise the leg, apply firm direct pressure, and call for emergency help if the bleeding does not stop.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt same-day medical assessment for sudden one-sided leg swelling, warmth, significant pain, or a hard and tender vein.

    These symptoms may need an ultrasound to check for a blood clot.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if:

    • Your veins cause persistent pain, aching, itching, or swelling
    • Symptoms interfere with sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities
    • The skin near your ankle becomes discoloured, inflamed, hard, or fragile
    • You have had bleeding from a varicose vein
    • A leg sore has not healed within about two weeks
    • You want to discuss whether a procedure would help

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Varicose veins. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.