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Inspection

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Expose the legs and ask the patient to stand. Look for veins which although collapsed when lying down, become visible on standing.

Observe:

  • visible subcutaneous veins - if these are dilated and tortuous, they are varicose veins; note their size and course - record this on a drawing of the leg - and determine whether they are part of the long or short saphenous system.
  • venous stars - minute veins radiating from a single feeding vein
  • any difference in the size of each leg, especially at the ankle - look for signs of oedema
  • eczema, pigmentation, ulceration

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