If you’ve noticed pain, swelling, or visible veins in your legs, you might be wondering whether it’s a sign of something serious like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or simply varicose veins. These two conditions both affect your veins—but they aren’t the same. Understanding the differences can help you know when to monitor symptoms and when to seek immediate medical care.
This guide breaks down how DVT and varicose veins differ in cause, symptoms, risks, and treatment options.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. These clots restrict blood flow and may become life-threatening if they travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. DVT often forms without noticeable symptoms at first, which is why it’s important to understand the risk factors.
Common symptoms of DVT include:
- Pain or tenderness in one leg, especially when standing or walking
- Swelling in the leg or calf
- Red or discolored skin around the affected area
- A feeling of warmth in the swollen leg
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that often appear just under the skin’s surface. They develop when the valves in your veins become weak or damaged, allowing blood to pool. While usually not dangerous, varicose veins can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns—and in some cases, they increase the risk of complications like superficial thrombophlebitis, which may lead to DVT.
Symptoms of varicose veins include:
- Bulging, rope-like veins visible under the skin
- Aching or cramping in the legs
- Heaviness, especially after long periods of standing
- Itching or skin discoloration around the vein
Shared Risk Factors
Although DVT and varicose veins are different, they share several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing either condition:
- Prolonged immobility (such as long flights or bed rest)
- Obesity or high body weight
- Pregnancy
- Older age
- A family history of vein disorders
- Prior blood clots or vein damage
- Smoking
Recognizing these shared risk factors can help you monitor your vein health more closely—especially if you’re already managing one condition.
Key Differences Between DVT and Varicose Veins
While both affect your veins and blood flow, DVT and varicose veins differ in seriousness, visibility, and urgency.
| Category | DVT | Varicose Veins |
| Type of vein affected | Deep veins (not visible) | Superficial veins (visible) |
| Appearance | No external signs in many cases | Bulging, twisted veins near skin |
| Urgency | Medical emergency | Typically not urgent |
| Risk | Can cause life-threatening embolism | May lead to minor complications |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness, warmth | Aching, heaviness, visible veins |
| Treatment | Anticoagulants, hospitalization | Compression stockings, lifestyle changes, sometimes surgery |
When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s important to know when symptoms may indicate something more serious. You should seek immediate medical care if you notice:
- Sudden leg swelling (especially in one leg)
- Sharp, unexplained pain or tenderness
- Skin that feels warm or looks red
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing blood (possible signs of pulmonary embolism)
For varicose veins, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Skin changes like ulcers or darkening
- A hardened or warm area over the vein
How Are These Conditions Diagnosed?
DVT is typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as ultrasound or a D-dimer blood test. If a clot is suspected, treatment may begin right away to reduce the risk of complications.
Varicose veins are usually diagnosed through a physical exam. In some cases, your provider may order a venous Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and check for deeper vein problems.
Treatment Options for DVT and Varicose Veins
Treating DVT
The goal of DVT treatment is to prevent the clot from growing or traveling to the lungs. This often involves:
- Anticoagulant medications to thin the blood
- Compression stockings to improve circulation
- Thrombolytics for severe cases
- Surgical interventions in rare situations
Severe cases may require hospitalization. Ongoing treatment usually includes lifestyle changes and monitoring to prevent recurrence.
Managing Varicose Veins
Treatment for varicose veins depends on the severity of your symptoms. Common approaches include:
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, weight loss, and elevating your legs
- Compression stockings to support blood flow
- Minimally invasive procedures such as laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or vein ablation
- Surgery for large or painful veins that don’t respond to conservative care
While not life-threatening, varicose veins can worsen over time if left untreated. Managing them early may prevent more serious complications.
Can Varicose Veins Lead to DVT?
Although varicose veins and DVT are different conditions, there is a potential link between the two. Damaged vein valves and poor circulation can increase the risk of clot formation. In particular, complications like superficial thrombophlebitis—a clot in a varicose vein—can increase your risk of developing DVT if the clot spreads into deeper veins.
If you have varicose veins and a history of blood clots, talk to your provider about your risk and what you can do to prevent DVT.
How to Prevent DVT and Varicose Veins
Many of the same strategies can help reduce your risk of both conditions:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly, especially if you sit or stand for long periods
- Avoid prolonged immobility during travel or recovery
- Elevate your legs throughout the day
- Wear compression stockings if recommended
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking
Proactive prevention and regular checkups can help you catch vein issues early and manage symptoms before they become serious.
Understand the Signs and Protect Your Health
Knowing the difference between DVT and varicose veins can help you take the right steps for your health. While varicose veins are usually manageable with lifestyle changes, DVT can be life-threatening and requires urgent care. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking help when needed could save your life—or the life of someone you love.
If you’re dealing with leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, don’t wait. Contact VISP to schedule an appointment and get the answers you need from experts who care.