Painful Inflammation of Superficial Veins of the Leg
Phlebitisis theinflammationof a superficial vein in the leg.
Phlebitis is most often triggered by direct trauma to a vein, resulting in the formation of ablood clot.
When a blood clot is involved, it is more accurately referred to assuperficial venous thrombophlebitis(SVT).
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This article describes the signs and symptoms of phlebitis and the possible causes and triggers.
It also explains how phlebitis is diagnosed and treated based on the underlying cause.
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What Are the Warning Signs of Phlebitis?
There may also be fever and a pus-like discharge if an infection is involved.
Complications
SVT and DVT are closely linked.
Both are sparked by the formation of blood clots, and both are subject to recurrence.
Risk factors include:
Female gender was associated with a lower risk for SVT developing into DVT.
Note that Verywell Health prefers to use inclusive terms.
The narrowing and coiling of these veins make them vulnerable to obstruction by blood clots.
Other possible causes includethrombophilia(a blood clotting disorder), autoimmuneconnective tissue diseases, and cancer.
Platelets, also known asthrombocytes, are responsible for blood clotting.
Thrombophilia
Thrombophilia, also known as hypercoagulation, is another possible cause of SVT.
In cases of SVT, connective tissues that make up blood vessels are the target of the assault.
Autoimmune diseases associated with SVT are characterized by both hypercoagulation andvasculitis(blood vessel inflammation).
Clotting factors are proteins made by the liver that combine with platelets to form blood clots.
This is especially true in people with varicose veins or those who have undergone a recent PIVC insertion.
Given the increased risk of DVT, your healthcare provider will likely order anultrasound.
These may include blood tests to detect thrombophilia, autoimmune diseases like lupus, or antiphospholipid syndrome.
Cancer screening may also be advised based on your family history and individual risk factors.
Cancer screening and blood testing are generally considered unnecessary when SVT develops in the presence of varicose veins.
The term superficial venous thrombophlebitis (SVT) is used when a blood clot is involved.
The first-line treatment choices are heating pads, compression socks, and OTC anti-inflammatory drugs.
This is especially true if you’ve had phlebitis in the past.
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