08/14/2026
Varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can both affect the legs, but they are very different conditions.
🟣 Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins located near the skin’s surface. They are often visible and may cause aching, heaviness, mild cramping, itching, skin darkening near the ankle, or mild swelling, especially after standing for long periods.
Common risk factors include pregnancy, age, family history, obesity, and prolonged standing. Vascular physicians typically evaluate varicose veins with an examination and venous duplex or reflux study. Treatment may include compression, leg elevation, exercise, or a vein procedure when needed.
🔵 DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the calf, thigh, or pelvis. It generally cannot be seen from the outside. Possible signs include sudden swelling in one leg, calf pain or tenderness, tightness, warmth, redness, or a change in skin color.
Risk factors can include prolonged travel or bed rest, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, hormones, and clotting disorders. Because a clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, suspected DVT requires urgent medical evaluation, which may include a Doppler ultrasound, D-dimer test, or other testing.
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