Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is the

inflammation

of a

surface vein

due to a

blood clot

that builds up in the vein and blocks the normal flow of blood. It usually occurs in the legs, but it can occasionally occur in the arms and neck. Anyone can develop superficial thrombophlebitis, but females are affected more than males.
To help reduce your chances of superficial thrombophlebitis, take these steps: -If you sit for long periods of time, make sure to get up and stretch at least once an hour. -Avoid wearing tight clothing around your waist. -Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Symptoms

Skin rash and redness

  • At feet, At legs not feet, At neck

common

Pain in the leg above the knee

or Pain in lower leg

or Pain in ankle region without achilles tendon

common

A burning feeling in legs or feet

common

Leg hurts when touched

common

Enlarged thighs

  • With redness

or Swelling in lower leg

  • With redness

  • One side, In both lower legs

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • With redness

  • In one side, In both feet or ankles

Risk factors

Twisted, enlarged veins

Blood clotting disorder

Prolonged immobilization

History of superficial phlebitis

Recent injection into vein

or Recent injury or trauma in thigh

or Recent pelvic or lower abdominal surgery

or Recent pelvic injury or trauma

or Recent injury or trauma in lower leg without ankle and feet

Pregnancy

or Postpartum

  • 5 to 9 weeks after delivery

or Use of estrogen hormone medication

Smoking

Overweight or obese

Brain cancer

or Liver cancer

or Lung cancer

or Stomach cancer

or Kidney cancer

or Pancreatic cancer

Polyarteritis Nodosa

Treatment
Superficial thrombophlebitis is typically treated by applying a warm compress to the affected area, elevating the leg to relieve swelling, taking

NSAIDs

to reduce swelling and inflammation, and wearing

compression stockings

.
Recommended specialist

If you have Superficial Thrombophlebitis, then a visit to a cardiovascular surgeon is highly recommended.

Contact a

Cardiovascular surgeon

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