Veins

A blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)

Blood clots forming in deep veins, usually in the legs, can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs. Sudden swelling in one leg is the sign to take seriously.

Book a vein consultation Call (305) 249-5666

Call 911 if

You have leg swelling and shortness of breath or chest pain. A clot may have traveled to the lungs.

Sudden swelling in one leg with pain, warmth, or redness — without breathing trouble — still needs urgent evaluation the same day. Call us at (305) 249-5666 or go to an emergency room. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

What it can feel like

One leg noticeably larger than the other
Pain or tenderness, often in the calf
Warmth or redness over the sore area
Swelling that came on over hours or a few days, not months

How a clot is found

The test is an ultrasound of the leg veins. At our office, bedside ultrasound identifies reflux (leaky valves) in specific veins and rules out a blood clot. It is painless and uses no radiation.

How it is treated

In general, a DVT is treated with blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulants) that keeps the clot from growing while the body clears it. Some patients need more than that. What is right for you depends on where the clot is, your other conditions, and your other medicines.

Your plan is decided with the doctor at your visit. Swelling that lingers long after a clot is often a vein-valve problem; see leaky leg veins and our vein evaluation and treatment page.

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Questions about leg clots

When is leg swelling an emergency?

Sudden swelling in one leg with pain, warmth, or redness can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and needs urgent evaluation. Swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain should be treated as an emergency — call 911.

Both of my legs have been swollen for months. Is that a clot?

Swelling in both legs that builds up slowly is more often a vein-valve, heart, or kidney problem than a clot. It still deserves an evaluation. See our page on swollen legs or ankles.

Had a clot before, or worried about your leg veins?

For new, sudden swelling in one leg, call (305) 249-5666 now or go to an emergency room. For follow-up after a clot or long-standing swelling, leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day.

Book a vein consultation