Superficial thrombophlebitis affects the lower limbs. That is why patients with superficial phlebitis complain of troublesome symptoms in the leg. Superficial thrombophlebitis requires specialized therapy. Untreated or poorly treated (e.g. home treatment), superficial thrombophlebitis may lead to the transition of inflammation to deep veins and the development of he alth and life-threatening complications.
Thromboticinflammation of the superficial veinsis inflammation of the veins just under the skin (these are the superficial veins). Superficial vein inflammation concernsof the lower limbs , therefore patients are troubled by the troublesome symptomsin the leg . Superficial thrombophlebitis is the result of the partial or complete closure of a vein by a clot. Clots forming in the vessels create stagnation, which causes inflammation of the vessel wall.
A person with a history of superficial vein inflammation is often reported: exposure to high ambient temperatures, bathing in hot springs, long journeys, frequent sitting with legs crossed, prolonged kneeling or bent legs.
Thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins - causes and risk factors
Superficial vein inflammation develops much more often in the area of varicose veins than in the area of he althy vessels, therefore a patient with varicose veins is much more likely to develop a superficial vein thrombosis than in a he althy person. There are other causes and risk factors for inflammation of the surface veins:
Untreated inflammation of the superficial veins may lead to the transition of inflammation to the deep vein system and the development of thrombosis of these vessels and the related complications that are dangerous for he alth and life.
Dangerous complications of thrombophlebitis in the leg (especially in the deep veins) include:
- pulmonary embolism
- stroke
- systemic embolism causing ischemia of organs or tissues
- pulmonary hypertension
- post-thrombotic syndrome leading to increasing venous insufficiency in the lower extremities
- at least 40 years old
- extensive surgical procedures
- dehydration
- disease that causes the body to become immobilized
- work that requires constant sitting or standing
- postpartum
- some malignant tumors
- using oral contraception or hormone replacement therapy
Hospital treatment may also be one of the causes of superficial vein inflammation. More than 1/3 of the punctures of the superficial veins associated with the treatment of various diseases end in inflammation of the superficial veins in the upper and lower extremities.
Thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins - symptoms
- leg pain and swelling - occurs both when resting and walking, often a swollen leg is red and warm
- palpable thickening of the diseased vessel through the skin
- generally feeling unwell
These ailments pass after several days or several weeks, but they should not be underestimated.
Superficial thrombophlebitis - research
Final diagnosis is made on the basis of Doppler ultrasound.
Superficial thrombophlebitis - treatment
Treatment consists of administering anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-swelling drugs, drugs that improve venous flow, local application of compresses, ointments or gels with the addition of heparin.
Antibiotic therapy is usually not necessary, it is used only in cases of infected thrombosis.
Surgical treatment is indicated only in cases where the inflammatory-thrombotic process tends to expand towards the exit of the saphenous vein into the femoral vein, which may result in pulmonary embolism.
Superficial thrombophlebitis - how to prevent it?
The best prevention is compression therapy, i.e. wearing compression materials, such as stockings or tights.
People who have undergone surgeries or operations are even ordered to use them, and people whose work requires long standing or sitting are advised to undertake prophylaxis. However, the most important thing is movement. Recreational sports are the best medicine for our body and this applies not only to venous diseases.
You should maintain a he althy body weight, do not wear tight pants, socks and shoes, do not heat your legs, e.g. when sunbathing, in a sauna or jacuzzi.