A new blood clot (DVT)
A clot in a deep vein can block blood flow. Symptoms may include one-sided swelling, pain and warmth, although some clots cause few symptoms. A clot can travel to the lungs.
Venous health · Santa Barbara
Why is my leg swollen?
Swelling, heaviness and aching can have several causes. Learn how blood clots, vein-valve problems and deeper vein blockages differ—and where image-guided treatment may fit.
New symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
New or worsening swelling, particularly in one leg with pain, warmth or redness, needs prompt medical assessment. Contact a clinician today. A very painful, rapidly swelling, blue or cold leg needs emergency care. CDC ↗
Sudden trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing blood or fainting: call 911. Do not wait for an email reply or a routine office callback. Call 911 for an emergency →
Swelling is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Veins return blood to the heart. Swelling can occur when blood backs up, but not every swollen leg needs a vein procedure.
Leaking vein valves
When vein valves do not close properly, blood can flow backward and pool. This is called venous reflux. It can cause heaviness, ankle swelling, visible veins or skin changes.
Changes after an old clot
Persistent pain, swelling or skin changes after DVT may reflect vein damage or a remaining blockage. This is sometimes called post-thrombotic syndrome. New symptoms still need evaluation.
A deeper blockage—or another cause
Scarring or compression of a pelvic vein can affect drainage. Heart, kidney or liver problems, medication effects, infection and lymphatic conditions can also cause swelling.
Start by finding the cause.
A clinician reviews when symptoms began, whether one or both legs are affected, medications and any clot history. Duplex ultrasound often checks for DVT and can assess vein flow. Pelvic veins can be difficult to see; CT or MR venography may be appropriate. If symptoms persist despite a negative test, contact the clinician about the next step.
Not every clot needs removal. Not every narrowed vein needs a stent.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptom burden, bleeding risk and imaging—not just the procedure name.
Blood-thinning medicine
Anticoagulants are the main treatment for many DVTs. They help stop clots growing and prevent new clots while the body clears clot over time. They can cause bleeding. Some selected calf clots are followed with repeat ultrasound instead. Your treating clinician decides the plan.
Compression and supportive care
For some chronic vein problems, a clinician may recommend properly fitted compression, activity, elevation and skin or wound care. These can help symptoms but do not replace assessment of a suspected new clot. Ask which measures are suitable for you.
Catheter-based clot treatment
Thrombectomy removes clot through a catheter; thrombolysis uses clot-dissolving medicine. These may be considered for selected patients, especially significant recent clot involving the pelvis and upper thigh, or limb-threatening symptoms. They are not routine treatment for every DVT and carry bleeding and other procedural risks.
Venoplasty and venous stenting
A balloon may open a narrowed vein; a stent supports it. In selected patients with persistent, life-limiting symptoms and a confirmed deep-vein blockage, this may complement conservative care. An imaging finding alone is not enough. A stent can narrow or clot and requires follow-up.
Treating superficial vein reflux
Procedures that close an abnormal superficial vein treat a different problem from removing a deep-vein clot or opening a blocked pelvic vein. A vascular or vein specialist can discuss the appropriate options after evaluation.
NHLBI · Treatment ↗ · SIR · DVT intervention ↗ · SIR · Venous stents ↗
What would an IR consultation be like?
Bring your ultrasound or other imaging, the date of any clot diagnosis, a medication list and your main questions. The consultation compares medical care with procedures when appropriate. If a procedure is recommended, the team explains the access site, sedation, risks, recovery and follow-up. Do not stop blood thinners or change medication without instructions.
Read What to Expect →One Door Health
Make a guide for your visit.
Choose what you know. This optional checklist organizes the conversation; it is not a clot-risk score and cannot rule out DVT.
Your visit guide
Email buttons open a draft in your email app; nothing is sent automatically. Review the recipient and message before sending. For confidential records, use the practice’s approved secure channel. Email is not for emergencies.
Your guide answers stay on this page unless you choose to copy, save or email them. This guide does not submit your medical answers to the website.
Find the right next step.
You can use this section without completing a guide. This page does not determine whether you have a clot or whether a procedure is appropriate.
New or worsening symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of any previous diagnosis. The absence of a listed warning sign does not exclude a clot.
Continue learning
Sources and further reading
Reach out
Contact Mike Swikehardt, MD directly.
Texts are answered only during business hours or when I am on call.