Diagnosis · Self-check

Varicose Vein Self-Test: 13-Point Checklist

Quick answer: Go through the 13 symptoms below and count how many apply to you. If three or more do, you may have varicose vein disease, even if you cannot see bulging veins. This checklist is a screening tool, not a diagnosis; only a duplex ultrasound can confirm whether your leg veins are leaking.

Varicose vein definition diagram for the LEDAS 13-point varicose vein self-test

Key facts at a glance

  • Number of items: 13 symptoms, developed by LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic.
  • Threshold: 3 or more "yes" answers suggest possible varicose vein disease.
  • Purpose: self-screening only; it cannot diagnose or rule out disease.
  • Why it matters: varicose veins can cause leg discomfort before any vein is visible.
  • Confirmation: standing duplex ultrasound, about 15–20 minutes at LEDAS.
  • Not covered: emergency symptoms such as sudden one-sided leg swelling or chest pain need urgent care, not a checklist.

Why use a varicose vein self-test?

Varicose veins are a circulatory disorder: blood that should flow up from your legs to your heart flows the wrong way and pools. Many people expect to see bulging, twisted veins, but the disease often starts inside, in veins hidden under the skin. Long before anything shows, your legs may feel heavy, swollen or crampy.

This self-test helps you notice those early, "invisible" signs and decide whether an examination is worthwhile. It is based on the symptom checklist used by LEDAS.

The 13-point varicose vein checklist

Count one point for each statement that describes you most weeks:

  1. My legs feel heavy and tire quickly, even after about 10 minutes of walking.
  2. I have aching or throbbing pain in my legs.
  3. My legs feel heavy and swollen in the evening.
  4. My legs swell or hurt even after a little exercise.
  5. I can see blue veins on the skin of my legs.
  6. I often get bruises on my legs.
  7. I can see thick, twisted veins.
  8. Skin symptoms on my legs do not clear up over time.
  9. I have spider veins on my calves.
  10. I have leg pain more than three times a week.
  11. The skin on my calves or ankles has darkened and does not lighten.
  12. I often have itching near my ankles.
  13. Standing or sitting for a long time makes my symptoms worse.

What does my score mean?

0–2 points

Varicose vein disease is less likely, though not impossible. Keep healthy habits and repeat the check if things change. If a single symptom bothers you a lot, such as darkened skin or a wound that won't heal, get it checked anyway.

3 or more points

You may have varicose vein disease. This is the point where LEDAS recommends a specialist examination. A duplex ultrasound will show whether your valves are leaking (reflux), which veins are involved, and how far it extends.

Any score with items 8, 11 or 12

Skin changes (persistent skin symptoms, darkening, itching near the ankle) suggest the disease may have progressed. Don't delay; see skin darkening and lipodermatosclerosis .

What can't a self-test tell you?

  • It cannot diagnose. Heavy legs and swelling also have other causes, such as heart, kidney or thyroid problems, medicines or lymphedema.
  • It cannot find hidden reflux. Only ultrasound can see blood flowing backward inside the vein.
  • It cannot judge urgency. Sudden swelling, pain and warmth in one leg can be a deep vein thrombosis . Chest pain or sudden breathlessness needs emergency services (119 in Korea) immediately.

I scored 3 or more. What happens next?

  1. Book a consultation. You can contact LEDAS by phone, email or the online consultation form. Overseas patients can start remotely.
  2. Have a duplex ultrasound. At your first visit , Dr. Kim Byoung Joon examines your legs while you stand, on Philips EPIQ Elite equipment. It takes about 15–20 minutes, and you see the results on screen as they are explained.
  3. Discuss a plan. If reflux is found, you receive a personalized plan and an exact quote. If not, you will be told so honestly. The first visit, including consultation and leg ultrasound, costs 180,000 KRW.

Want to understand your symptoms better first? Read varicose vein symptoms and warning signs or when to see a vein doctor .

Your score and suggested next step

Result What it suggests Suggested next step
0–2 points Varicose vein disease less likely Healthy habits; re-check if symptoms change
3–5 points Possible early vein disease Book a duplex ultrasound consultation
6 or more points Vein disease likely, may be progressing Book an ultrasound soon
Skin darkening, persistent itching or a wound Possible advanced stage Prompt specialist assessment
Sudden one-sided swelling or chest pain Possible clot (not a checklist issue) Urgent care or call 119

Varicose vein self-test – frequently asked questions

  • Can I have varicose veins if I can't see any veins?

    Yes. The main veins that cause varicose disease run under the skin and fat. They can leak for years before any branch bulges at the surface. Heaviness, swelling, cramps and itching may be the only early signs, which is why the checklist focuses on symptoms as well as appearance.

  • How accurate is a varicose vein self-test?

    It is a helpful screening tool but not a diagnostic test. It may flag symptoms that come from other conditions, and it can miss early reflux that causes few symptoms. Treat a score of three or more as a reason to get an ultrasound, not as a confirmed diagnosis.

  • Should I repeat the self-test?

    Yes, it is worth repeating every six to twelve months, or after big life changes such as pregnancy, a new standing job or significant weight gain. A rising score suggests your veins may be changing and deserve a closer look.

  • Can I do the self-test for a family member?

    You can go through it together, especially with older parents who may not mention symptoms. Ask about evening swelling, night cramps and skin changes around the ankles. If they score three or more, help them book an assessment.

About this page

Clinical information: LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer: Dr. Kim Byoung Joon · Review status: Pending · Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our editorial policy .

Related: Varicose vein symptoms · When to see a vein doctor · Duplex ultrasound exam · Your first visit · Heavy, tired legs

Scored 3 or more? Confirm it with an ultrasound

English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com