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"Thrombo" mean s "clot." Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis (throm-bo-fluh-BI-tis) occurs when a blood clot causes inflammation in one or more of your veins, typically in your legs.
The affected vein may be near the surface of your skin, causing superficial thrombophlebitis, or deep within a muscle, causing deep vein thrombosis. A clot in a deep vein increases your risk of serious health problems, including a dislodged clot (embolism) traveling to your lungs and blocking a pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism).
Thrombophlebitis often is caused by prolonged inactivity, such as from sitting during a long period of travel in an airplane or automobile or from lengthy bed rest after surgery. Such inactivity decreases blood flow through your veins and may cause a clot to form. An inherited tendency for blood clots places you at higher risk.
Signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis include:
Warmth, tenderness and pain in the affected area
Redness and swelling
The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk.
When a superficial vein is affected, a red, hard and tender cord may be present just under the surface of your skin. When a deep vein in the leg is affected, your leg may become swollen, tender and painful, most noticeably when you stand or walk. You may also have a fever.
The cause of thrombophlebitis is a blood clot. Blood clots can result from many different things - namely anything that causes your blood not to circulate properly.
Are inactive for a long period of time,
Are confined to bed for a prolonged time,
Have a type of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, that may cause an increase of procoagulants - substances necessary for blood clotting- in your blood
Have had a stroke that resulted in paralysis of your arms or legs
Have a pacemaker or have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) in a central vein, for treatment of a medical condition, which may irritate the blood vessel wall and decrease blood flow
Are pregnant or have just given birth, increased pressure in the veins of your pelvis and legs
Use oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
Have a family history of a blood-clotting disorder
Are overweight or obese
Have varicose veins -
Are a smoker
MEDICAL TREATMENT
If thrombophlebitis occurs in a superficial vein, your doctor may recommend self-care steps that include applying heat to the painful area, elevating the affected leg and using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The condition usually subsides within a week or two.
Your doctor may also recommend these treatments for thrombophlebitis:
Signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis include:
