Thrombophlebitis

This condition refers to an inflammatory process that leads to formation of blood clots and blockage of one or more veins, mostly in legs. If the affected vein is near the surface of skin it is known as superficial thrombophlebitis or if it’s deep within the muscles it’s known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis include:

Pain, tenderness and warmth in the affected area
Swelling and reddish appearance
Red hard cord on the surface of skin can be felt.

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are:

Swelling
Pain

Causes

The main cause of the occurrence of thrombophlebitis is the formation of blood clot. It can occur as a result of following:

Injury to vein
Inherited blood-clotting diseases
Injury or hospital stay leading to immobility for long periods

Complications

Complications include:

Pulmonary embolism
Post-phlebetic syndrome

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of thrombophlebitis include detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:

Ultrasound
Blood tests

Treatment

Treatment options include:

Application of heat to the painful affected area
Elevation of the affected leg
Over the counter nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs
Wearing of compression stockings
Sometimes other medications for thinning of blblood and dissolving of clots can be prescribed
Sometimes venacava filters can be inserted
Varicose veins stripping

Thrombophlebitis