What is Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein. This can happen in your arms or legs, or in the area between your neck and groin (torso).

When this condition happens in a vein that is close to the surface of the body (superficial thrombophlebitis), it is usually not serious.However, when the condition happens in a vein that is deep inside the body (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), it can cause serious problems.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

• Damage to a vein.
• Inflammation of the veins.
• A condition that causes blood to clot more easily.
• Reduced blood flow through the veins.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

• Having a condition that makes blood thicker or more likely to clot.
• Having an infection.
• Having major surgery.
• Experiencing a traumatic injury or a broken bone.
• Having a catheter in a vein (central line).
• Having a condition in which valves in the veins do not work properly, causing blood to collect (pool) in the veins (chronic venous insufficiency).
• An inactive (sedentary) lifestyle.
• Pregnancy or having recently given birth.
• Cancer.
• Older age, especially being 60 or older.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Taking medicines that contain estrogen, such as birth control pills.
• Having varicose veins.
• Using drugs that are injected into the veins (intravenous, IV).

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptoms of this condition are:

• Swelling and pain in an arm or leg. If the affected vein is in the leg, you may feel pain while standing or walking.
• Warmth or redness in an arm or leg.

Other symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever.
• Muscle aches.
• A bulging vein (venous distension).

In some cases, there are no symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Tests, such as:
  • Blood tests.
  • A test that uses sound waves to make images (ultrasound).

How is this treated?

Treatment depends on how severe the condition is and which area of the body is affected. Treatment may include:

• Applying a warm compress or heating pad to affected areas.
• Wearing compression stockings to help prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• Raising (elevating) the affected arm or leg above the level of your heart.
• Medicines, such as:
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen.
  • Blood thinners (anticoagulants), such as heparin.
  • Antibiotic medicine, if you have an infection.
• Removing an IV that may be causing the problem.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to:

• Remove a damaged section of a vein.
• Place a filter in a large vein to catch blood clots before they reach the lungs.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if you feel better.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, put heat on the affected area as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are not able to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• Elevate the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Avoid sitting or lying down for long periods. If possible, stand up and walk around regularly.

If you are taking blood thinners:

• Take your medicine exactly as told, at the same time every day.
• Avoid activities that could cause injury or bruising, and follow instructions about how to prevent falls.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that lists what medicines you take.

General instructions

• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.
• Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You miss a dose of your blood thinner, if applicable.
• Your symptoms do not improve.
• You have unusual bruising.
• You have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that lasts for more than one day.

Get help right away if:

• You have any of these problems:
  • New or worse pain, swelling, or redness in an arm or leg.
  • Numbness or tingling in an arm or leg.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain.
  • Severe pain in your abdomen.
  • Fast breathing.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • Blood in your vomit, stool, or urine.
  • A severe headache or confusion.
  • A cut that does not stop bleeding.
• You feel light-headed or dizzy.
• You cough up blood.
• You have a serious fall or accident, or you hit your head.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• Thrombophlebitis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein. This can happen in a vein close to the surface of the body or a vein deep inside the body.
• This condition can cause serious problems when it happens in a vein deep inside the body (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
• The main symptom of this condition is swelling and pain around the affected vein.
• Treatment may include warm compresses, anti-inflammatory medicines, or blood thinners.