A swollen, warm calf isn’t always just a cramp. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can start quietly and become serious fast. Knowing the common signs and what to do next can make a real difference.
Here are the symptoms most people notice. If one or more are new, especially on one leg only, take them seriously.
Some people have vague symptoms — mild soreness, tired legs, or nothing at all. That’s why risk factors matter.
Key risk factors: recent surgery, long travel or bed rest, pregnancy, hormonal birth control or hormone replacement, active cancer, obesity, smoking, and a personal or family history of clots. Age and certain inherited clotting conditions also raise risk.
Don’t massage the area or try home remedies. Massaging can dislodge a clot. Call your doctor or visit urgent care right away if you notice warning signs.
In clinic they’ll usually check the leg and may order a Doppler ultrasound to look for clots. A blood test called a D-dimer can help, but imaging is the main test that confirms DVT.
If you develop sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, or coughing up blood — get emergency care immediately. Those symptoms can mean the clot moved to your lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is life-threatening.
How DVT is treated depends on the clot size and location. Doctors commonly use blood thinners to stop growth and lower the risk of travel to the lungs. Follow-up and monitoring are important.
Quick prevention tips: stay active on long trips, move early after surgery, keep hydrated, avoid smoking, and talk to your doctor about clot risk if you take hormones or have a personal/family history of clots.
Don’t ignore a one-sided swollen leg or persistent calf pain. When in doubt, get it checked — catching DVT early makes treatment simpler and safer.
