Blood clots in the legs, often a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are serious and require prompt medical attention to prevent complications like a pulmonary embolism, where a clot travels to the lungs.

Fortunately, with the right medical care, blood clots are manageable for most people.

This blog post will explain which doctors specialize in treating blood clots, how they diagnose the condition, and what treatment options are available.

What Kind of Doctor Treats Blood Clots in Legs?

If you suspect a blood clot in your leg, your first step might be to visit an emergency room or your primary care provider (PCP). Emergency care specialists can provide initial treatment. Your PCP can then help coordinate ongoing care and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Several types of doctors are involved in treating blood clots, depending on the situation:

• Vascular Specialists: This is often the best choice. A vascular specialist, which includes vascular surgeons, is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the arteries and veins (the vascular system). They have specific expertise in managing DVT and other vascular diseases.
• Interventional Radiologists: These specialists also play a crucial role. They use image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat conditions like DVT, sometimes working alongside vascular surgeons.
• Hematologists: A hematologist specializes in blood disorders. They may be consulted if you have an underlying blood clotting disorder (thrombophilia) or if your treatment with blood thinners is complex.
• Critical Care Doctors: In severe cases, such as a large pulmonary embolism, critical care doctors in a hospital setting manage treatment.
• Primary Care Providers (PCPs) / Family Doctors: Your family doctor plays a vital role in recognizing symptoms, making initial assessments, providing referrals, and coordinating long-term follow-up care.

Often, a care team approach, involving multiple specialists, is used to ensure comprehensive care and the best possible outcomes. Your family doctor can recommend a vascular doctor or vein specialist if you have blood vessel issues.

How Doctors Diagnose Blood Clots in the Leg

Diagnosing DVT involves a few steps to understand your specific health situation:

Medical History and Physical Exam

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, risk factors, and overall medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, checking your leg for swelling, tenderness, and discoloration.

Blood Tests

A common blood test is the D-dimer test. This test measures a substance released when a blood clot breaks down. A negative D-dimer test can often help rule out a blood clot, especially in low-risk individuals.

Imaging Tests

• Duplex Ultrasound: This is the most common imaging test to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to create pictures of blood flow in your veins and can detect blockages caused by blood clots.
• CT Scans (Computed Tomography): A CT venography might be used in specific situations to get detailed images of veins, particularly if DVT is suspected in pelvic veins. A CT pulmonary angiogram is the primary test if a pulmonary embolism is suspected.
• Other tests like MRI or venography (an X-ray with contrast dye) are used less frequently.

A vascular specialist uses these diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of a DVT, determine its location and size, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the body’s deep veins, most commonly in the legs, specifically in the calves, thighs, or pelvis.

However, DVT can occur in other deep veins as well. These clots can develop when the flow of blood in a vein slows down, a vein is damaged, or if there’s an underlying blood clotting disorder.

One of the most serious risks associated with DVT is a pulmonary embolism (PE). This is a potentially life-threatening condition that happens if a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, blocking blood flow. Symptoms of PE include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (especially when breathing deeply), coughing (possibly with blood), rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. 

If you experience symptoms of DVT or PE, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of DVT

While DVT can sometimes occur without any noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic DVT), common signs to watch for in the affected leg include:

• Pain or tenderness, often starting in the calf
• Swelling
• Warmth to the touch
• Redness or discoloration of the skin

Who is at Risk for DVT?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing DVT. These include:

• Prolonged sitting or immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest after major surgery)
• A personal or family history of blood clots
• Certain medical conditions, like heart disease or blood clotting disorders
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Older age
• Smoking
• Some medications, like certain hormone therapies

It’s important to remember that anyone can develop DVT, even healthy individuals and athletes.

Treatment Options for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The main goals of DVT treatment are to prevent the clot from getting bigger, stop new clots from forming, and reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism. Immediate intervention is critical.

Common treatment options include:

Blood Thinners (Anticoagulants)

Blood thinning medications don’t actually “thin” the blood or dissolve existing clots, but they prevent new clots from forming and stop existing clots from growing larger, allowing the body’s natural processes to break them down over time.

Symptom Management

Compression Stockings

Your doctor may recommend wearing graduated compression stockings. These stockings help reduce swelling, improve blood flow in the legs, and can help prevent post-thrombotic syndrome (a long-term complication).

Elevation

Elevating the affected leg can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Advanced Treatments for Severe Clots

Thrombolytics (Clot Busters)

These drugs are used in more severe cases of DVT or PE to quickly dissolve large clots. They carry a higher risk of bleeding and are typically administered in a hospital.

Thrombectomy

In some cases, especially for large clots causing significant symptoms, a vascular specialist or interventional radiologist might perform a procedure to physically remove the clot from the vein.

Venous Angioplasty and Stenting

If there’s an underlying narrowing or blockage in the vein (chronic venous obstruction), sometimes after clot removal, a procedure called venous angioplasty (widening the vein with a balloon) and stenting (placing a small mesh tube to keep the vein open) may be performed to improve blood flow.

Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter

For patients who cannot take blood thinners or if blood thinners are not effective, a filter may be placed in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart) to catch clots before they can travel to the lungs.

Many cases of uncomplicated DVT can be treated on an outpatient basis, meaning you may not need to stay in the hospital. Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment options for your specific situation.

Preventing Blood Clots and Improving Blood Flow

A crucial part of prevention involves making positive lifestyle changes.

Staying active with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are fundamental for promoting good circulation. It is also important to avoid sitting still for long periods. If you must sit for an extended time, such as during travel, you should get up frequently to walk around or perform simple leg exercises. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water also contributes to healthy blood flow.

For individuals who have already had a DVT or continue to face a high risk, medical treatments are often necessary. A doctor may prescribe long-term blood-thinning medications to reduce the body’s ability to form clots. However, these medications are not typically recommended for prevention in the average person without specific risk factors. In addition, your provider may recommend the regular use of compression stockings to support the veins in your legs and improve circulation.

To create the most effective prevention plan, it is best to work with a healthcare provider, often a vascular specialist. These experts can accurately identify your personal risk factors and design a tailored plan to keep you healthy. Vascular specialists are skilled in diagnosing and managing underlying conditions, such as venous insufficiency, that can contribute to the formation of blood clots, ensuring you receive comprehensive care for your entire circulatory system.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a process that is different for everyone. While the initial, more severe symptoms often improve within a few days or weeks of starting treatment, it is important to continue with your medical care. The risk of a blood clot traveling to the lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism (PE), is highest in the first few days after a DVT is found, before your blood-thinning medication has had time to work fully.

To ensure a safe recovery, you must take your blood-thinning medication exactly as your doctor has instructed. It is also very important to attend all regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These visits allow your medical team to monitor how you are responding to treatment, perform necessary blood tests, and adjust your medication if needed. During this time, you should also watch for any new symptoms or the return of old ones and report them to your doctor immediately.

Working closely with your healthcare team is the best way to manage your condition and prevent future problems. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about your treatment plan or have any concerns about your recovery.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

It’s important to recognize the warning signs of a blood clot or its complications. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden swelling in your leg, arm, or other area
• Pain or tenderness in your leg, especially when standing or walking
• Warmth in the skin of the affected leg
• Red or discolored skin on the leg
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens with a deep breath
• Coughing up blood
• Rapid heartbeat or dizziness

Prompt action can make a significant difference in your outcome.

Effective Treatment for Blood Clots

Treating blood clots in the legs, particularly DVT, requires a comprehensive approach involving accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and diligent ongoing management. While your primary care doctor is a good starting point, a vascular specialist is typically the expert you’ll see for specialized DVT treatment and to treat clots effectively.

If you’re concerned about blood clots or have been diagnosed with DVT, getting expert care is essential. Our team of vascular specialists is here to provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of doctor should I see for a blood clot in my leg?

While your primary care doctor or an emergency room can provide an initial assessment, a vascular specialist is often the best choice for specialized treatment of blood clots in the leg. This can include a vascular surgeon or an interventional radiologist, who are experts in conditions affecting veins and arteries.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition where a blood clot forms in one of the body’s deep veins, most often in the leg, such as in the calf or thigh. These clots can be serious if they block blood flow or travel to other parts of the body.

What are the main symptoms of a DVT in the leg?

Common symptoms of a DVT in the leg include pain or tenderness (often starting in the calf), swelling, warmth to the touch, and redness or discolored skin on the affected leg. However, it’s important to know that DVT can sometimes occur without any noticeable symptoms.

How do doctors find out if I have a blood clot in my leg?

Doctors typically diagnose a blood clot in the leg by reviewing your medical history, performing a physical exam, and sometimes using a D-dimer blood test. The most common imaging test to confirm a DVT is a duplex ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow in the veins.

What are the common treatments for blood clots in legs?

The most common treatment for DVT involves blood thinner medications (anticoagulants), which prevent new clots from forming and stop existing clots from growing. In more severe cases, doctors may use clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytics) or perform minimally invasive procedures to remove the clot.

Can I do anything to prevent blood clots in my legs?

Yes, lifestyle changes like staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding prolonged sitting, and staying hydrated can help prevent blood clots. For those at higher risk, a doctor may also recommend medications or compression stockings.

What is a pulmonary embolism and why is it dangerous?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of DVT where a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This requires immediate medical attention and can cause sudden shortness of breath and chest pain.

When should I go to the ER for a suspected blood clot?

You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the ER if you experience sudden swelling in your leg, unexplained pain or tenderness, warmth, or redness. Also, go to the ER immediately if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (especially when breathing deeply), or coughing up blood.