--- title: "Varicose Veins vs. DVT: Understanding the Important Differences" description: Learn the key differences between varicose veins and DVT, including symptoms, risks, and when to seek medical help to ensure your vascular health. image: https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hubfs/undefined.png --- [![VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New-VINJ_Logo.png?width=350&height=71&name=New-VINJ_Logo.png "VINJ_TCVC-Logo.jpg")](https://www.veininstitutenj.com) [973-539-6900](tel:9735396900) - [home](http://veininstitutenj.com/) - [contact](http://veininstitutenj.com/contact/) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Vein-Institute-of-New-Jersey-194043250629023/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/veininstituteofnj/) - [Careers](https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=01ac20b2-794f-4cd2-b641-85102eaee82c&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter) - [Patient Portal](https://gateway.aprima.com/portal/home/11101) - 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- Share on Leg pain, swelling, warmth, or visible veins can be concerning, especially when you are unsure whether the problem is a varicose vein or a blood clot. Although varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) both affect the veins, they are very different conditions. Varicose veins develop in veins near the skin’s surface and are often visible. A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep inside the body, most commonly in the calf or thigh. Knowing the differences, and recognizing when symptoms require urgent medical attention, can help you take the appropriate next step. ## What Are Varicose Veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear blue or purple beneath the skin. They develop when valves inside the veins weaken or become damaged. Healthy vein valves help move blood from the legs back toward the heart. When those valves do not close properly, blood can flow backward and collect in the vein. This condition is known as venous reflux. Over time, the increased pressure can cause the vein to stretch, bulge, and become visible. Varicose veins frequently develop gradually and may affect one or both legs. Common symptoms include: Varicose veins are not always simply a cosmetic concern. Without appropriate care, chronic venous disease may progress and contribute to inflammation, skin changes, bleeding, or venous ulcers. ## What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis? Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the body’s deep veins. DVT most often develops in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. Unlike a varicose vein, a DVT usually cannot be seen from outside the body. Symptoms may develop suddenly, although some people with DVT have few or no noticeable symptoms. Possible warning signs include: A DVT requires prompt medical evaluation because part of the clot can break away and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism, or PE, and it can be life-threatening. ![](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined.png?width=469&height=317&name=undefined.png) ## Varicose Veins and DVT: A Side-by-Side Comparison |   | **Varicose veins** | **Deep vein thrombosis** | | --- | --- | --- | | **What it is** | An enlarged, twisted surface vein | A blood clot in a deep vein | | **Where it occurs** | Near the skin’s surface | Deep within the calf, thigh, or pelvis | | **Is it visible?** | Usually visible as blue, purple, or bulging veins | Usually not visible from outside the body | | **Typical discomfort** | Aching, heaviness, itching, burning, or mild cramping | Pain, tenderness, tightness, or sudden discomfort | | **Swelling** | Often mild and may affect the ankle or lower leg | May cause sudden, one-sided leg swelling | | **Timing** | Often develops gradually and worsens after standing | May appear suddenly, although DVT can occur without symptoms | | **Main concern** | Progressive venous disease, skin changes, bleeding, or ulcers | A clot may travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism | | **How it is evaluated** | Examination and venous duplex ultrasound with a reflux study | Prompt medical evaluation and diagnostic ultrasound | | **Typical treatment** | Compression, activity, elevation, or a vein procedure when appropriate | Anticoagulant medication and, in selected cases, a procedure | ## Can Varicose Veins Cause a DVT? A visible varicose vein is not the same thing as a DVT, and a varicose vein does not simply “turn into” a deep vein blood clot. However, varicose veins can sometimes develop a clot in a vein near the skin. This is known as superficial venous thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis. It may cause a tender, red, warm, or firm area along the path of the vein. Although this condition is different from DVT, it should still be evaluated. In certain cases, a superficial clot can extend toward the deep venous system. An ultrasound may be recommended to determine the clot’s location and extent. ## Who Is More Likely to Develop Varicose Veins? Factors that can increase the likelihood of varicose veins include: Varicose veins are common, but persistent symptoms should not be ignored—particularly when swelling, skin discoloration, inflammation, or wounds are present. ## What Increases the Risk of DVT? A DVT can affect almost anyone, but certain circumstances raise the risk. These include: Having more than one risk factor can further increase the likelihood of developing a clot. [The CDC provides additional information about DVT and pulmonary embolism risk factors.](https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/risk-factors/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ## How Are Vein Problems Diagnosed? Because several conditions can cause leg pain and swelling, symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm or exclude a DVT. A medical evaluation is necessary. A venous duplex ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to examine the veins and evaluate blood flow. The type of ultrasound performed depends on the suspected problem. For varicose veins, an ultrasound may look for venous reflux and identify valves that are not functioning properly. When a DVT is suspected, ultrasound is used to look for evidence of a clot and determine whether blood is moving normally through the deep veins. ## When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care? Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience sudden swelling in one leg, unexplained calf or thigh pain, warmth, redness, or skin discoloration—especially when symptoms occur after surgery, hospitalization, prolonged travel, or a period of limited mobility. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you develop possible symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, including: These symptoms should never be treated as a routine varicose vein problem. According to the [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/blood-clots/about/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), a pulmonary embolism can occur when part of a deep vein clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. ## Do Not Guess About New Leg Symptoms Visible varicose veins generally develop gradually and cause aching, heaviness, itching, or discomfort that becomes more noticeable after standing. A DVT is more likely to cause sudden, one-sided swelling, pain, tenderness, or warmth, but symptoms can overlap, and some blood clots produce no obvious warning signs. If you are experiencing new or unexplained leg symptoms, an appropriate medical evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether routine vein care or urgent treatment is needed. The vascular specialists at the Vein Institute of New Jersey evaluate and treat a full range of venous conditions, from symptomatic varicose veins to more complex circulation problems. To schedule a vein evaluation, call **973-539-6900** or visit [VeinInstituteNJ.com](https://www.veininstitutenj.com/appointments/schedule/). *This article is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or emergency care.* [Previous page](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/what-does-carotid-artery-stenosis-mean-on-an-ultrasound) ### CATEGORIES - [Arteries (61)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/arteries) - [Health/Exercise (31)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/health-exercise) - [Spider Veins (40)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/spider-veins) - [Travel (5)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/travel) - [Varicose Veins (56)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/varicose-veins) - [Vascular Doctors/Staff (58)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-doctors-staff) - [Vascular Health (8)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vascular-health) - [Vein Conditions (80)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-conditions) - [Vein Treatments (91)](https://health.veininstitutenj.com/blog/tag/vein-treatments) ### Subscribe to VINJ Health News ### RECENT ARTICLES Our “Top Doctor” rated, experienced and renowned faculty of Vascular specialists with 24/7 patient coverage, are all personally interested in your care. 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