Doctors Consider Superficial Blood Clots to Be Less Risky Than Deep Blood Clots
A clot that forms in the deep veins is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can travel to the lungs and stop blood flow, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Superficial clots are different.
“Superficial clots are usually less serious and most often go away on their own in a few weeks,” Rockman says. “However, it is important to note that a superficial clot can sometimes progress into the deep veins, especially if it’s extensive or close to where the leg vein joins the deep system near the groin or behind the knee.”
For this reason, superficial blood clots “should not be ignored,” says Dr. Yi.
These Blood Clots Can Be Simple to Diagnose
Superficial blood clots are usually diagnosed by a physical exam and confirmed with an ultrasound,
