A red spot and bump developed after I drove 24 hours without a compression stocking, could this be a blood clot?

In January I had an endovenous laser ablation and a phlebectomy. I was healing fine until I drove a total of 24 hrs in 2 weeks without wearing my compression stocking. Now, I have pain and a red spot/bump is developing. Could this be a blood clot?

Answers from doctors (12)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 28, 2013

It sounds like you have a phlebitis, which is an inflammation of a vein resulting in the redness and tenderness. It can be caused by many different things in your specific situation, ranging from a small blood clot in the involved vein to a new varicose vein forming that is now feeding into the vein that you had treated with the laser procedure. In any case, your red spot probably resulted from you sitting for a prolonged period of time in the car. Keep in mind that any time you have any vein treatments, especially only 2-3 weeks out, you can expect your body to make hemodynamic adjustments for many weeks to months afterwards. If the red spot continues to get worse, I would check in with your doc. For most, it will go away.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

It sounds like you have a phlebitis, which is an inflammation of a vein resulting in the redness and tenderness. It can be caused by many different things in your specific situation, ranging from a small blood clot in the involved vein to a new varicose vein forming that is now feeding into the vein that you had treated with the laser procedure. In any case, your red spot probably resulted from you sitting for a prolonged period of time in the car. Keep in mind that any time you have any vein treatments, especially only 2-3 weeks out, you can expect your body to make hemodynamic adjustments for many weeks to months afterwards. If the red spot continues to get worse, I would check in with your doc. For most, it will go away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on May 23, 2013

You need to have an ultrasound and be evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to have an ultrasound and be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 23, 2013

Is the red bump close to the area where the phlebectomy was performed? It could be a small superficial clot, which is nothing to worry about unless it becomes big and really painful. At that point, it would be wise to visit your treating physician to have him/her make a tiny incision to drain some of the trapped blood. Nevertheless, you should still follow up with your doctor about this so that he is aware of what is taking place.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Is the red bump close to the area where the phlebectomy was performed? It could be a small superficial clot, which is nothing to worry about unless it becomes big and really painful. At that point, it would be wise to visit your treating physician to have him/her make a tiny incision to drain some of the trapped blood. Nevertheless, you should still follow up with your doctor about this so that he is aware of what is taking place.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 23, 2013

This could be several things. If you had microphlebectomy performed at the same time as the ablation (removal of a surface varicose vein), it could simply be a little scar tissue. This will resolve with finger tip massage several times per day. You may also have developed a superficial blood clot (thrombophlebitis), which is localized and doesn't normally cause any problems. If you are concerned, follow up with the surgeon who treated you. I typically would recommend compression hose, ibuprofen 3 times per day, and applying low heat to the area frequently.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This could be several things. If you had microphlebectomy performed at the same time as the ablation (removal of a surface varicose vein), it could simply be a little scar tissue. This will resolve with finger tip massage several times per day. You may also have developed a superficial blood clot (thrombophlebitis), which is localized and doesn't normally cause any problems. If you are concerned, follow up with the surgeon who treated you. I typically would recommend compression hose, ibuprofen 3 times per day, and applying low heat to the area frequently.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 22, 2013

A clot could have formed in a surface vein. The only way to be sure, however, is to follow up with your MD and be evaluated.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

A clot could have formed in a surface vein. The only way to be sure, however, is to follow up with your MD and be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on May 22, 2013

It's likely a superficial clot. It is not dangerous, but you should still be seen by your MD to be safe.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

It's likely a superficial clot. It is not dangerous, but you should still be seen by your MD to be safe.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on May 22, 2013

Anyone who sits or drives for long periods of time is at risk of developing blood clots. Are you having swelling and pain behind knee? I do suggest you get your leg checked. It sounds more like phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), which can occur with sitting/driving long hours. Heat and anti-inflammatory medications can help until you can get it checked.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Anyone who sits or drives for long periods of time is at risk of developing blood clots. Are you having swelling and pain behind knee? I do suggest you get your leg checked. It sounds more like phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), which can occur with sitting/driving long hours. Heat and anti-inflammatory medications can help until you can get it checked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on May 22, 2013

Do you think you should notify your doctor and have them check it? Only a duplex ultrasound scan can pinpoint a blood clot.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Do you think you should notify your doctor and have them check it? Only a duplex ultrasound scan can pinpoint a blood clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on May 22, 2013

You do not specifically state where this "red spot" and "bump" have developed. Is it on your calf, your thigh, on the medial side (inside), lateral side (outside), anterior (front), posterior (back)? It is unlikely that you have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), but the only sure way to rule out this possibility is to see your surgeon for an evaluation.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

You do not specifically state where this "red spot" and "bump" have developed. Is it on your calf, your thigh, on the medial side (inside), lateral side (outside), anterior (front), posterior (back)? It is unlikely that you have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), but the only sure way to rule out this possibility is to see your surgeon for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 22, 2013

It is possible, but more likely it is an area of phlebitis or trapped blood. I would recommend you follow up with your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is possible, but more likely it is an area of phlebitis or trapped blood. I would recommend you follow up with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on May 22, 2013

Probably a clotted varicose vein. Take some Advil for now and go back to see your doctor.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Probably a clotted varicose vein. Take some Advil for now and go back to see your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 22, 2013

It certainly could be an area of superficial phlebitis. It could also be other things such as a bug bite or pimple. It would be prudent for you to see your physician or go to a walk-in clinic. In the meantime, place heat on the area, and an anti-inflammatory agent would be indicated.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It certainly could be an area of superficial phlebitis. It could also be other things such as a bug bite or pimple. It would be prudent for you to see your physician or go to a walk-in clinic. In the meantime, place heat on the area, and an anti-inflammatory agent would be indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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