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Managing Blood Clots in the 21st Century
Much has changed for the better over the years in the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
Medically reviewed by Shubha Varma, MD, on May 23, 2025
Foot aches are part of everyday life for runners, commuters, or anyone who spends long hours standing. Most of the time, that soreness is nothing more than the consequence of a tight tendon or ill-fitting shoe. Yet pain that turns sharp, swelling that seems to appear out of nowhere, or skin that suddenly looks reddish blue and feels hot can point to something far more serious: a blood clot.
While we worry mostly about blood clots, foot swelling and soreness are most often caused by chronic venous insufficiency. This causes shoes to not fit well and puts pressure on our tendons and nerves in a tight space.
For this blog, we consulted with Shubha Varma, MD, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration’s vein clinic in Brooklyn, New York, to provide an overview of how and why blood clots form, chronic venous insufficiency, the specific warning signs to watch for in your feet, and what your vein specialist can do to diagnose and treat the problem quickly.
To schedule a vein consultation with Dr. Varma, CLICK HERE. To schedule a vein consultation at any of CVR’s other 110+ vein clinic locations nationwide, CLICK HERE.
Are you concerned about your blood clot risk? Find out how Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowledge. Complete our brief SELF-ASSESSMENT for instant insights into your vein health.
Blood clots are meant to work as a type of natural “bandage” for the body; when a vessel wall is damaged, platelets stick together and create a plug that stops the bleeding. However, inside deeper veins, that same clot can turn dangerous if it blocks normal circulation, causing a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
While it often develops in the calf or thigh, fragments of a DVT clot can extend downstream, worsening swelling, and in severe cases, even causing loss of limb. Even more frightening, a mobile clot can migrate upstream to the lungs, where it can cause a dangerous and life-threatening condition called a pulmonary embolism. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if you notice sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, confusion, or swelling and tenderness in only one leg.
Because feet bear the weight of the entire body, they already experience daily repetitive stress, making it difficult to discern routine soreness from a red‑flag symptom. Pay extra attention if:
Any combination of those signs warrants an urgent call to your physician.
Another essential option for those experiencing any of these symptoms is our DVT rule-out service, which provides same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Call our hotline number at 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388) for more information.
Blood clots in the foot rarely stem from a single cause; they’re usually the product of several overlapping risks, which include:
The more of these boxes you tick, the more vigilant you need to be about new or unexplained foot pain. By spotting these risks early, you can safeguard your circulation and avoid painful complications.
Small daily habits can make a remarkable difference in your blood clot risk. Build brief walking breaks into your schedule to keep the calf “muscle pump” active, drink plenty of water so your blood stays free‑flowing, and make produce, lean proteins, and whole grains a central part of your diet. According to Healthline, extra pounds can put pressure on the leg veins and negatively impact blood flow.
Those with multiple risk factors can stay on top of their circulatory health by booking a quick consultation with the board-certified vein experts at CVR. We’ll shed light on any underlying issues, determine your risk for clots and other vein conditions, and set up a customized treatment plan depending on our findings, guiding you with care at each step. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a Center for Vein Restoration near you.
Most individuals start feeling relief within a week of beginning treatment with a blood-thinning medication, but the healing vein may still be delicate. Continue your anticoagulant for the full course, often three to six months, unless your doctor advises longer. Keep your legs elevated whenever possible, maintain moderate activity, and wear compression stockings to keep residual swelling at bay.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to keep all routine follow‑ups with your vein specialist. Ultrasounds at three and six months verify that the clot has resolved. Other ways to stay clot‑free after recovery include sticking with your physician-approved exercise plan, standing up or flexing your ankles every hour during travel, using medical‑grade compression stockings to encourage blood flow, and alerting every new healthcare provider to your DVT history, which allows them to adjust medications or surgical plans.
Understanding the early warning signs is also essential to the recovery process. Fortunately, recurrence risk decreases with time, with about three in 10 people getting a second DVT within a decade of their first, according to WebMD.
Foot pain has dozens of harmless explanations, but ignoring the possibility of a blood clot in the foot can have serious consequences. Know the signals, understand your risk, and trust the qualified vein experts at CVR to keep every step you take safe and comfortable. Your feet carry you through life; return the favor by giving them the attention and care they deserve.
CVR accepts most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare.
Q: How do I know if I have a blood clot in the foot?
A: The most common signs are sudden swelling, warmth, redness, or a cramp‑like pain in the foot, ankle, or calf that doesn’t ease with rest.
Q: Is a foot clot dangerous?
A: Yes; if untreated, part of the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a medical emergency.
Q: Who has the highest risk of blood clots in the foot?
A: Anyone who is immobile for long periods, has recently had surgery or injury, is pregnant, takes estrogen-based therapy, has certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer), or has a family history of clotting disorders.
Q: What should I do if I suspect a blood clot, in the foot or elsewhere?
A: Seek medical care right away. Accurate diagnosis usually involves an ultrasound or other imaging to confirm the clot’s location.
Q: How are blood clots treated?
A: Standard care includes blood‑thinning medications (anticoagulants). In some cases, your vein specialist may recommend clot‑dissolving drugs or minimally invasive procedures to remove or bypass the clot.
Still have questions? The CVR vein care team is here to listen and guide you through every step from assessment to treatment and long‑term prevention. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or book your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Much has changed for the better over the years in the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
