Medically reviewed by Andrew Harding, DO, on July 28, 2025
If you or someone you love has ever had a blood clot in the leg, you may have heard the term “post-thrombotic syndrome.” It sounds serious (and it can be), but knowing what it is, what causes it, and how to manage it can help you feel more in control of your health.
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a common complication after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. Even after the clot dissolves, it may still damage the valves in the vein. These valves typically help blood flow back up toward your heart. When they don’t work correctly, blood can pool in the leg, causing swelling, pain, and other long-term vein problems.
We consulted Dr. Andrew Harding, a CVR fellowship-trained vein expert treating patients around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex at Center for Vein Restoration’s Grapevine, Texas, vein clinic.
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Harding in Grapevine, TX, CLICK HERE
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Let’s walk through what you need to know about post-thrombotic syndrome, and what you can do to feel better, emotionally and physically.
The Cleveland Clinic defines post-thrombotic syndrome as a type of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), meaning the veins in your legs aren’t working as they should. Normally, valves inside your veins act like one-way doors to keep blood moving toward the heart. But when a DVT damages these valves, they can leak or fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool in the leg.
Over time, this leads to symptoms such as:
The Cleveland Clinic estimates that about 20 to 50 percent of people who have had a DVT will develop post-thrombotic syndrome within one to two years.
The leading cause of PTS is damage to the vein walls and valves after a DVT. When a clot forms, it can stretch or destroy the vein valves. These valves play a crucial role in ensuring blood flows in the correct direction. If they don’t work, blood pressure increases inside the vein, a condition known as venous hypertension.
Venous hypertension (high pressure in the veins) causes fluids, proteins, and blood to leak into nearby tissue, leading to swelling, inflammation, and skin damage. This process can also lead to the formation of varicose veins and spider veins.
If you already have risk factors for vein disease, such as obesity, inactivity, injury to the deep vein, or inherited blood disorders that increase clotting, you may be more likely to develop PTS after a DVT. Smoking, older age, and having a history of a prior blood clot will increase your risk of developing a blood clot.
Don’t wait for symptoms like leg swelling, skin changes, or bulging veins to worsen. The vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration are here to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface. Through a simple, non-invasive evaluation, our board-certified vein doctors can assess your vein function and determine if post-thrombotic syndrome or another form of venous insufficiency is the cause of your discomfort—and offer relief.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, Stop the Clot®, post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) can manifest differently in each person. Still, it often causes long-lasting discomfort in the legs following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The most common symptoms include swelling, aching, heaviness, and cramping in the affected limb. Many people also describe their legs as feeling tired, tight, or simply “not right,” especially after standing or walking for extended periods of time.
Other signs of PTS can include:
It’s important to know that while up to 40 percent of people who’ve had DVT may develop some level of PTS, the severity can vary. Approximately four percent of patients will experience severe symptoms, while 60 percent will recover without any lasting effects. Most symptoms typically begin within the first six months after the blood clot, but in some cases, they may not appear until up to two years later.
If your leg feels persistently swollen, painful, or heavy after a DVT, or if you notice new varicose veins or skin changes, it’s time to consult a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist. These could be signs of post-thrombotic syndrome, a form of chronic venous insufficiency that benefits from early diagnosis and vein treatment.
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Your Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist will ask about your medical history and examine your legs for signs of chronic venous insufficiency. They may use a painless ultrasound to examine your veins and check for any damage from the inside.
The sooner you seek help, the better. Treating post-thrombotic syndrome early can reduce your symptoms and help prevent complications.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Yes! While there’s no cure for PTS, treatments can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. A Center for Vein Restoration vein expert will tailor your care based on your specific needs.
Here are standard treatment options:
1. Compression Stockings
Wearing graduated compression stockings helps squeeze the leg gently to move blood upward. This reduces swelling and discomfort.
2. Exercise and Leg Elevation
Walking and leg exercises can help pump blood through your veins. When you’re resting, try to elevate your leg to reduce pressure in your veins.
3. Medications
In some cases, medications such as blood thinners may be used to prevent future blood clots. Anti-inflammatory creams may help with pain and skin changes.
4. Vein Treatment Procedures
If symptoms are severe or don’t improve, a vein doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures. Options include phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, or vein ablation. These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and often require little to no downtime.
While post-thrombotic syndrome is a chronic condition, many people live full, active lives with proper care. Working with a vein specialist can significantly improve your comfort and mobility. Treating the condition early, managing symptoms, and taking steps to prevent further damage are key to improving your quality of life.
If you’ve had a DVT, regular follow-ups with a CVR vein expert are important. They can monitor your circulation and detect vein problems before they worsen.
Not everyone who has a DVT will develop PTS, but you can take steps to lower your risk. Here’s how:
Preventing varicose veins and managing vein disease early can help reduce your risk of developing PTS in the future.
If you’re dealing with ongoing leg pain, swelling, or skin changes after a DVT, don’t wait to seek help. A Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein specialist can diagnose the problem and offer safe, effective, minimally invasive treatment options for problem veins.
At a CVR vein center, you’ll have access to the latest technology and a team that understands vein disease inside and out. Whether you're concerned about varicose veins, spider veins, or other signs of venous insufficiency, expert care is available.
Post-thrombotic syndrome can affect your quality of life, but it doesn’t have to control it. Understanding your condition and getting the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re searching for answers for yourself or someone you care about, help is available.
Your legs are talking! If they’re feeling heavy, aching, or swollen, it’s time to listen and take action.
Questions? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative.
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