How a Provider Confirms Varicose Veins

A clinician examining varicose veins on a standing woman's calf

A form says a provider will "diagnose" varicose veins. Here is what the source says that visit involves.

The sentence as printed

www.nhlbi.nih.gov states:

To diagnose varicose veins, your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, family history, activity levels, and lifestyle.

What it asks of you

The sentence names five things. One is a physical exam. The other four are topics your provider asks about: symptoms, family history, activity levels, and lifestyle. It asks you to answer them. If spider veins are your concern instead, a separate page covers spider vein causes, symptoms and treatment.

Prepare your answers

Write each topic on a card before your visit. Under symptoms, note what you feel. Under family history, note which relatives have had vein problems. Under activity levels, describe a normal week. Under lifestyle, list your daily habits.

Going into the exam

Directive: expect a physical exam and questions on four topics. Bring your answers with you. To read about one vein treatment, see sclerotherapy treatment and recovery.