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Warning-sign checks

Varicose vein - noninvasive treatment: 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

    Seek emergency care for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, or a foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, numb, or severely painful.

    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 medical advice if you develop new one-sided leg swelling, warmth, redness, or persistent calf pain.

    These symptoms need assessment and should not simply be treated with tighter compression.

    Seek urgent help if bleeding does not stop or is heavy.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Also arrange review for worsening skin discolouration, a sore that is not healing, or difficulty using the stocking.

The article also says

Contact your healthcare team routinely if the stocking repeatedly slips, rolls, causes a rash, or does not improve symptoms.

If a varicose vein bleeds, lie down, raise the leg, and press firmly over the bleeding point with a clean cloth or dressing.

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