An inflammation of the veins near your skin that is caused by blood clots is referred to as superficial thrombophlebitis. Typically, these will be located in your legs or arms. The annual prevalence of superficial thrombophlebitis is unknown to scientists.
The frequency of occurrence is about 1 percent, but the probability of getting sick with thrombophlebitis increases with age.
Causes
Most cases of thrombophlebitis are brought on by the formation of a clot in a vein. Many things can cause this to happen, such as:
• Injury (Vein)
Clots in the blood can occur after injuries to the vein's lining.
• Obesity
Extra pounds can put a strain on veins and elevate blood clot danger.
First, a blood clot forms. Its formation is most often the result of poor blood flow through the veins of the legs. Poor blood flow can be caused by:
• Lying in bed for a long time, after an illness or a major operation
Sitting for a long time in a car, plane or some other place where you are not able to stretch your legs.
• Varicose veins
They cause blood vessels to stretch. This allows the blood to collect in the blood vessel, instead of flowing straight in one direction. The result is the formation of a blood clot.
Thrombophlebitis Symptoms
Tender red cords may appear just under the skin's surface if a vein near to the skin's surface is afflicted. Leg swelling, tenderness, and soreness are all possible symptoms of a problem with a deep vein in the leg.
These are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms:
• Veins that are rigid and enlarged
• Touching the affected area causes discomfort and tenderness.
• The damaged area swells painfully and causes pain.
• The area around the injury is red and hot.
• Extreme instances may also experience chills and fever.
Treating Thrombosis
The degree and location of the blood clot determine the therapy options for thrombophlebitis. Treatment typically consists of the following:
• Medications
Anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin may be recommended to help stop the blood clot from growing or spreading.
• Wearing compression stockings has been shown to decrease edema and increase blood flow.
• The edema can be reduced and circulation improved by elevating the affected area above the level of the heart.
• Pain and swelling can be alleviated by applying a warm compress to the region.
Prevention and Avoidance of Thrombosis
Avoiding extended sitting has been demonstrated to lessen the probability of getting superficial thrombophlebitis. Make an effort to stand up and walk about every so often.
By engaging in a number of preventative behaviors, you can cut down on the likelihood that you will develop thrombophlebitis.
• Keep your weight where it should be; being overweight raises the risk of blood clots because it puts extra pressure on the veins.
• To prevent becoming dehydrated, consume a lot of water or other non-alcoholic fluids in large quantities.
• Compression stockings can benefit those at risk of blood clots by increasing blood flow and decreasing the likelihood of thrombophlebitis.
• Take a walk. If you're traveling by plane, train, or bus, get up and move around every so often by walking up and down the aisle. If you're going to be driving, you should pull over every hour or so and stretch your legs.
• Keep your legs moving frequently. At least ten times in each hour, flex your ankles and press your feet towards the floor or footrest in front of you with as much care as possible.
• Quit smoking; doing so can lessen your risk of having thrombophlebitis because smoking raises the risk of blood clots.
Consult your doctor about thrombophlebitis prevention measures if you have a medical condition or use medication that raises your risk of blood clots.
Visit the Doctor
The symptoms of thrombophlebitis should prompt a visit to the doctor.
Most cases of thrombophlebitis that occur in superficial veins begin to disappear on their own within a week or two. In rare cases, this blockage of the vein can lead to an infection. They can even damage tissue due to loss of healthy circulation.
If any of the following occur, it is imperative that you seek emergency medical attention:
• Problems breathing or experiencing chest pain
• Bloody cough
• Extreme leg pain or swelling suddenly
• Arm or leg swelling or pain that doesn't seem to have an obvious cause
• Discolored, red, or otherwise abnormally heated skin.