What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis often doesn't cause symptoms, or it causes only minor symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include:

  • Swelling.
  • Warmth.
  • Pain or tenderness. The pain may be in the calf or thigh. You may feel it only when the affected area is touched or when you stand or walk.
  • Redness.

Diagnosing DVT can be hard, because other problems may cause symptoms like those of DVT. These problems include less serious problems like cellulitis or a pulled muscle.

Sometimes life-threatening pulmonary embolism is the first sign that you have DVT.

Condition Spotlight

Clearing Pathways: Imaging and Reimagining Open New DVT Treatment Doors Watch Video
Removing Tiny Filter Embedded in Vein Takes Expertise Unique to Stanford Hospital Watch Video

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials Closed Trials

Clinics for Symptoms