Thrombophlebitis & Phlebitis

Source: Wikipedia

Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs.

When phlebitis is associated with the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), usually in the deep veins of the legs, the condition is called thrombophlebitis.

Thrombophlebitis is phlebitis (vein inflammation) related to a blood clot or thrombus. When it occurs repeatedly in different locations, it is known as "Thrombophlebitis migrans". Thrombophlebitis ( another medical term is "White Leg" ) is related to a blood clot (thrombus) in the vein. Risk factors include prolonged sitting and disorders related to blood clotting. Specific disorders associated with thrombophlebitis include superficial thrombophlebitis (affects veins near the skin surface) and deep venous thrombosis (affects deeper, larger veins).

Signs and Symptoms

• Redness (erythema) and warmth with a temperature elevation of a degree or more above the baseline
• Pain or burning along the length of the vein
• Swelling (edema)
• Vein being hard, and cordlike
• If occurring due to an intravenous infusion line, then slowed infusion rate
  

Treatment

For more specific recommendations, see the particular condition. In general, treatment may include the following:

• Medications
• analgesics (pain medications)
• anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent new clot formation
• thrombolytics to dissolve an existing clot
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
• antibiotics (if infection is present)
• Support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort
  

The patient may be advised to do the following:

• Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling.
• Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.
• Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.