When Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard stepped onto the court for Game 2 of the NBA playoffs, fans erupted—not just for the thrill of the game, but for the return of a player who had been sidelined by a serious health scare: deep vein thrombosis (DVT). After weeks of uncertainty, Lillard is back, but his journey highlights a critical issue that often flies under the radar—blood clots in young, healthy adults.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs
Varicose veins may seem harmless, but these swollen, twisted veins are caused by weakened valves that allow blood to pool in the legs, increasing pressure and slowing blood flow. According to the National Blood Alliance Stop the Clot initiative, the sluggish circulation associated with varicose veins can lead to superficial blood clots, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). They recommend talking to a healthcare provider to assess your vein health and DVT risk.
That’s where Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) comes in.
CVR’s 77+ board-certified vein specialists offer personalized, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. Don’t wait! Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier veins and lasting relief.
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Damian Lillard hadn’t played since March 18, 2025, due to what was first believed to be calf soreness. But as the discomfort persisted, further testing revealed a more dangerous condition: DVT in his right calf.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. It can become life-threatening if the clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Lillard’s diagnosis meant he had to stop doing what he loved most—playing basketball:
“Not knowing if I was going to be able to come back this season… it was weeks and weeks before they even allowed me to jump.”
Yet, just a month later, he’s back in the starting lineup, with the Bucks counting on his energy and leadership.
Blood clots are often thought of as a risk for older adults, but athletes like Lillard remind us that DVT can affect anyone. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, around 900,000 people in the U.S. are affected by DVT and PE each year, with up to 100,000 deaths.
Even more surprising? Young, active individuals are not immune to dangerous DVT. Long travel, dehydration, injuries, and even genetics can increase DVT risk. Even elite athletes, whose careers involve intense physical activity and sometimes periods of immobility (think long flights for games), may unknowingly be at higher risk.
Chris Bosh, a former NBA All-Star, had his career cut short due to recurring blood clots, and rising star Victor Wembanyama was sidelined earlier this year due to a clot in his shoulder. The message is clear: DVT doesn’t discriminate.
Lillard’s quick return is remarkable, but it raises important questions about how blood clots form and how they can be prevented.
Blood clots like DVT often form due to:
Lillard’s story serves as a powerful reminder to listen to your body. He initially experienced muscle soreness, a common symptom in athletes, but sought further evaluation when it didn’t improve.
Signs of DVT include:
In some cases, as noted by the National Library of Medicine, DVT can present with no symptoms at all, which makes it even more dangerous (NIH):
“About 30–40 percent of cases go unnoticed, since they don’t have typical symptoms. Some people don’t realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition.”
Center for Vein Restoration, the nation’s leading physician-led vein care provider, offers specialized DVT evaluation services for individuals experiencing deep vein thrombosis symptoms. This streamlined, all-in-one service provides a faster, more affordable alternative to the emergency room for those concerned about blood clots.
Each DVT evaluation includes diagnostic imaging, immediate anticoagulation treatment if necessary, personalized education, and follow-up care. For prompt assistance, call the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).
One of the greatest risks of DVT is that the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Symptoms of PE include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood. According to Yale Medicine, PE is life-threatening and requires emergency treatment, adding that PE can be difficult to diagnose because it often resembles other conditions such as heart attack and pneumonia.
This is why Lillard’s early detection and treatment were so critical—and why awareness can save lives.
After his diagnosis, Lillard was placed on anticoagulant medication (blood thinners), a standard treatment for DVT that helps prevent the clot from growing and new clots from forming. He was also restricted from high-impact activities until his doctors were confident he could safely return.
It’s not uncommon for athletes to be out for months, but Lillard’s body responded well. With the clearance of his medical team, he began a cautious return to physical activity and is now back to professional competition.
Damian Lillard’s comeback is inspiring, but it also carries an important message for all of us: don’t ignore unusual pain or swelling. Whether you're an athlete, a frequent traveler, or simply someone who sits for long periods, knowing the risks and signs of DVT is crucial.
If you think you might be at risk, seek professional evaluation. At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein conditions, including DVT. Our DVT rule-out service offers fast, accurate testing, often without the need for a hospital visit.
Lillard’s quick action and commitment to his health helped him get back on the court. You don’t have to be a pro athlete to take control of your health. If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or other signs of vein trouble, don’t wait! Call 911 or contact Center for Vein Restoration at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) to schedule a DVT rule-out appointment.
Damian Lillard’s battle with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) highlights just how critical early detection and treatment are, but preventing blood clots before they happen is just as important. A recent extensive study by the AHA/ASA Journal Circulation found that treating varicose veins with a minimally invasive procedure called endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) significantly lowered the risk of developing serious complications like DVT and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Patients who received vein treatment had a 51 percent lower risk of DVT and a 36 percent lower risk of PAD compared to those who left their varicose veins untreated. The takeaway? Addressing vein issues early isn’t just about comfort or appearance; it’s a decisive step toward protecting your health and avoiding life-threatening blood clots.
At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments like ETA to help prevent dangerous complications from varicose veins. Schedule your consultation today and take a proactive step toward safer circulation and long-term health.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Bottom line: Blood clots are a serious, often silent health risk—even for young, elite athletes like Damian Lillard. His return is a testament to early detection, expert care, and listening to your body. Stay informed, stay active, and take your health seriously—because the shot you take today might just save your life.
1. Can young and healthy athletes get blood clots like DVT?
Yes. While DVT is often associated with older adults, young and physically active people, including elite athletes, are also at risk. Factors like long travel, dehydration, muscle injuries, and genetics can contribute to clot formation. Damian Lillard’s case shows that even top-level athletes need to be aware of DVT risks and symptoms.
2. What are the most common signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Common symptoms of DVT include:
Sometimes, DVT can have no noticeable symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to get evaluated if you have unexplained leg pain or swelling, especially if you've been inactive or recently injured.
3. How is DVT treated, and how did Damian Lillard recover so quickly?
DVT is typically treated with anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, which prevent the clot from growing and reduce the risk of new clots forming. More severe cases might require medication or a medical procedure to dissolve or remove the clot. Lillard responded well to medication and careful monitoring, allowing him to return to play within weeks—a shorter-than-usual recovery thanks to early detection and expert care.
4. What should I do if I think I have a blood clot?
If you notice signs of DVT—like leg swelling, pain, or redness—don’t ignore them. Seek medical attention right away. Center for Vein Restoration offers same-day or next-day DVT evaluations without the long wait or high costs of an ER visit. Call 877-SCAN-DVT for fast, expert care.
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