What is Leg DVT?
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins of your leg. Deep veins run through the muscles of the calf, thigh, and pelvis. A DVT can partially or completely block blood flow and, if a piece breaks off, may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Common symptoms
- Swelling in the affected leg (sometimes the entire leg)
- Pain or tenderness, often described as a cramping or soreness
- Warmth and redness or discoloration of the skin
- Dilated (enlarged) surface veins on the leg
- Some DVTs cause no symptoms at all
🚨 Seek emergency care immediately if you have:
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Increased leg pain or swelling that is not improving
Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
Treatment
Treatment is typically 3 months for a first provoked DVT and at least 6 months for unprovoked or high-risk DVTs. Your doctor will review this with you.
Trusted resources
Thrombosis Canada
thrombosiscanada.ca →Clot Connect
clotconnect.org →Contact your clinic
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare team.