inspection
Last reviewed 01/2018
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