THROMBOPHLEBITIS, SUPERFICIAL

(Phlebitis; Phlebothrombosis)

 Basic information

description

Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation (redness and swelling) in a superficial vein due to a blood clot. Superficial means the vein is near the surface of the skin. It occurs most often in the veins in the legs, and sometimes occurs in the arms or groin.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Tenderness, redness, and pain in the affected area. The symptoms usually come on slowly.
• Vein may feel like a tender, hard cord under the skin.
• Fever (sometimes).
• In some cases, there are no symptoms.

causes

Any problem that involves the vein, blood, or blood flow can lead to a blood clot. Over time, as the blood flow slows down, blood cells may clump together and form a clot.

risk increases with

• Illness or surgery with a lot of time spent in bed.
• Long car rides or airplane trips where you are sitting for long periods.
• Smoking.
• Elderly.
• Use of birth control pills.
• Overweight.
• Varicose veins.
• Injuries, burns, or infections.
• Pregnancy.
• Chronic illnesses, heart problems, and some cancers.
• Intravenous (IV) drug abusers.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Avoid risk factors where possible.
• On long trips, walk when you can, move legs often, and wear support stockings to prevent swollen legs. Ask your health care provider about taking aspirin before a long trip.

expected outcomes

Usually curable in several days to 3 weeks.

possible complications

Serious complications are rare. The main concern is about blood clots forming in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis). They can have serious complications.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will examine the affected area of the leg and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may be done to make sure there are no other medical problems. These include blood tests and ultrasound (using sound waves to check the blood flow).
• Treatment usually involves rest and elevation of the affected leg or arm and, sometimes, drugs (depending on the cause).
• Apply heat with warm compresses. Wet a towel in hot water, wring it out, and place it on the affected area.
• Wearing support stockings may help. Some types can be purchased at a drugstore. Your health care provider may prescribe prescription-type support stockings.
• If you smoke, this is a good time to stop. Talk to your health care provider about programs to help you quit.
• If varicose veins are a problem, they may need treatment.

medications

• Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin (not for children) or ibuprofen, to decrease swelling, redness, and pain.
• Anticoagulants (drugs to prevent blood clots) may be prescribed.
• Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection.

activity

Rest with the affected leg or arm elevated as much as possible for 1 or 2 days. Move the feet, ankles, and legs often. When the symptoms begin to get better, resume normal activity slowly. Rest often. Don't sit or stand for prolonged periods, and don't cross your legs.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of superficial thrombophlebitis.
• The following occur during treatment: fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher, pain gets worse, coughing blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling of leg or foot.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: