Difference between varicose vein and a blood clot?

Very different: Varicose veins are defective veins that have weakened walls. Blood clots can form in varicose veins, a condition known as "thrombophlebitis, " but the majority of varicose veins do not have blood clots. Blood clots can also form in the deep veins, a condition known as dvt. This is a serious condition occurs more commonly after surgery, trauma, long plane/car rides, during pregnancy, among others.

Differences: I varicose vein is one that is enlarged and visibly prominent. Although the direction of blood flow through a varicose vein when you stand is down instead of up, the flow is not blocked. A blood clot means that the vein is obstructed and flow either can't get through at all or is signficiantly slowed. Varicose veins can be painful but aren't usually dangerous. Blood clots can be life threatening.

Much different: Vv are slightly bluish, ropy, bulging blood vessels, somewhat soft to touch, and occurs in association with venous valvular incompetence. Blood clots occur in arteries depriving the tissues supplied by the artery of blood and oxygen. When it occurs in superficial veins, a red cord with tenderness is present. Deep venous clots require anticoagulation, and can be a serious problem.

Varicose veins/clot: Varicose veins are dilated grape-like appearing veins that can be seen usually on the legs. These are due to valve malfunctioning (refluxing) of the saphenous system. Clots, on the other hand, are due to blood clotting in the veins. There are 2 kinds of clots-superficial and deep. Each is treated differently.