Leg Problems, Noninjury: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Is your leg pale, white, blue, or cold?

See significance of pale, white, blue, or cold leg if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do your toes or foot look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold but you do not have other symptoms? Note: If you have a cast or splint in place, see first aid for a cast or splint.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your leg look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold off and on but you have not had your symptoms checked by a doctor?

Yes

Has a dusky or blue color in one or both legs been present for a long time and recently gotten worse but has not been checked by a doctor?

Yes

Have your symptoms become worse since being checked by your doctor?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a dusky or blue color in one or both legs for a long time but you have not had your symptoms checked by your doctor?

Yes

Do you have a dusky or blue color in your leg along with other symptoms, such as pain, numbness, or skin changes, that have gradually changed since being checked by your doctor?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	August 04, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer