The Villalta Score is a medical assessment tool used to diagnose and grade the severity of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS), a chronic condition that can develop after a person experiences a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, and while treatment may resolve the initial clot, some individuals develop lingering symptoms due to damage in the vein or its valves. These long-term effects are collectively known as PTS.
The Villalta Score helps healthcare providers evaluate both subjective symptoms reported by the patient—such as leg pain, a feeling of heaviness, muscle cramps, itching (pruritus), and tingling or numbness (paresthesias)—as well as objective signs observed during a physical examination, such as swelling (edema), tenderness, skin thickening, skin discoloration, varicose veins, redness, or the presence of ulcers.
Each symptom and sign is rated on a scale from 0 to 3, where:
The total score is calculated by summing all individual scores. Based on the total score, PTS is categorized as follows:
The Villalta Score is widely used in both clinical practice and research studies to assess the impact of DVT on a patient’s quality of life over time. It allows doctors to track changes, monitor treatment effectiveness, and make informed decisions about ongoing care.
While this tool can offer helpful insights, it should always be used in combination with a thorough clinical evaluation. If you have concerns about PTS, it's important to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
The Villalta Score Calculator is designed for use by both healthcare professionals and individuals who have experienced a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It helps assess the presence and severity of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS), a condition that can occur after a DVT.
Healthcare providers such as doctors, nurses, or vascular specialists can use this tool during routine follow-up visits to evaluate symptoms and physical signs in patients with a history of DVT. The calculator provides a quick and structured way to document findings and track changes over time.
Patients who have had a DVT may also use this calculator to better understand their symptoms. However, it’s important to remember that this tool is not a substitute for a professional medical evaluation. If you notice increasing symptoms such as leg swelling, discomfort, or skin changes, you should consult your doctor.
This calculator is most useful for:
Whether you’re a patient or a clinician, this tool can help provide clarity about the severity of post-thrombotic symptoms and guide decisions on monitoring and treatment.
Using the Villalta Score Calculator is simple and involves rating a series of symptoms and signs related to Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). The process includes selecting how severe each symptom or sign is, and then calculating the total score to assess the severity of the condition.
Follow these steps:
Note: If you are a patient using this calculator, the results are for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
In this section, the patient is asked to describe common symptoms experienced in the affected leg after a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These symptoms help determine whether Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) may be present and how severe it is.
A feeling of weight or heaviness in the leg, especially after standing or walking for long periods. It may feel like your leg is dragging or swollen even if it doesn’t appear that way.
Discomfort or aching in the leg, which may range from mild to severe. Pain can occur at rest or during movement and may worsen with activity or prolonged standing.
Involuntary muscle contractions, often in the calf or thigh. These cramps can occur at night or after long periods of sitting or standing.
An itchy sensation on the skin of the affected leg, which may be persistent or come and go. Itching may be linked to poor circulation or skin changes caused by PTS.
A prickling, tingling, or "pins and needles" feeling in the leg. Some people also report numbness or a reduced sense of touch in areas affected by PTS.
For each symptom, the patient is asked to rate its intensity on a scale from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). These ratings contribute to the overall Villalta Score.
This section includes physical signs that a healthcare provider observes during a clinical examination of the leg affected by a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These signs help determine the presence and severity of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS).
Swelling in the front of the lower leg (shin area), also known as pretibial edema. This may indicate poor blood return and fluid accumulation, which is a common sign of venous insufficiency related to PTS.
Pain felt when pressure is applied to the calf muscles. This may suggest residual vein problems or ongoing inflammation in the leg tissues following a DVT.
Thickening or hardening of the skin and tissues under the skin. This may be caused by long-term inflammation or scarring due to previous blood clots or chronic venous insufficiency.
Darkening or brownish staining of the skin, typically around the ankle or lower leg. This results from blood leaking out of the veins and staining the skin, a common long-term effect of damaged veins.
Enlarged, twisted veins visible under the skin. These may develop or worsen after a DVT and can contribute to the development of PTS symptoms.
Redness or inflammation of the skin in the affected leg. It may appear patchy or widespread and is often associated with other symptoms like warmth or tenderness.
An open sore or wound on the skin, usually near the ankle, that doesn’t heal easily. The presence of an ulcer automatically classifies the condition as severe PTS regardless of the total Villalta score.
Each of these signs is evaluated by the doctor and scored from 0 (absent) to 3 (severe). These objective scores are combined with the patient’s reported symptoms to calculate the final Villalta Score.
After completing the Villalta Score Calculator, you will receive a total score that helps assess the presence and severity of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). This score is based on a combination of subjective symptoms (reported by the patient) and objective signs (observed by a healthcare provider).
Here’s what your score means:
Once you’ve used the Villalta Score Calculator and received your result, it’s important to understand how to use that information to take care of your health. The score is a helpful indicator of how much Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) may be affecting you, but it’s only one part of your overall health picture.
Here are some steps you can take based on your score:
This is a good result. It means you are not showing signs of PTS at this time. You can continue with normal activities but stay aware of any future changes, especially if you’ve had a previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Mild symptoms may be starting to appear. These could include occasional heaviness, cramps, or discomfort in your leg. You may not need treatment right away, but it’s a good idea to monitor your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor at your next visit.
Moderate PTS can affect your daily life and may worsen if left untreated. You should talk to your healthcare provider about possible treatments, such as compression stockings, exercise routines, leg elevation, or medications to improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
Severe symptoms or the presence of a leg ulcer require medical attention. This level of PTS can significantly impact your quality of life and may lead to further complications. Contact your doctor promptly to create a treatment plan and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Whether your score is low or high, it’s a good idea to retake the Villalta Score Calculator occasionally—especially if symptoms change. This can help you and your doctor track progress and adjust your care plan as needed.
The Villalta Score Calculator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While the calculator can help you better understand symptoms related to Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS), it cannot confirm a diagnosis or assess all individual medical factors. Only a qualified healthcare provider can properly evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
If you are experiencing leg pain, swelling, skin changes, or other symptoms after a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), please consult your doctor or a licensed medical professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or ignore symptoms based on the results of this calculator.
Use of this tool does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. By using this calculator, you agree that any decisions you make regarding your health are your own responsibility.