Learn About Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein. A blood clot (thrombus) in the vein is the most common cause of this swelling.
Phlebitis; Deep vein thrombosis - thrombophlebitis; Thrombophilia - thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis may affect deeper, larger veins or veins near the skin surface. Most of the time, it occurs in the pelvis and legs.
Blood clots may form when something slows or changes the flow of blood in the veins. Risk factors include:
- A pacemaker catheter that has been passed through the vein in the groin
- Bed rest or sitting in one position for too long, such as plane travel
- Family history of blood clots, which may imply the presence of inherited disorders that lead to increased risk of clots. Common ones include deficiency or lack of antithrombin 3, protein C, and protein S, factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin abnormalities
- Fractures in the pelvis or legs
- Giving birth within the last 6 months
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Recent surgery (most commonly hip, knee, or female pelvic surgery)
- Too many blood cells being made by the bone marrow, causing the blood to be thicker than normal (polycythemia vera)
- Having an indwelling (long-term) catheter in a blood vessel
Blood is more likely to clot in someone who has certain problems or disorders, such as:
- Cancer
- Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus
- Cigarette smoking
- Conditions that make it more likely to develop blood clots
- Taking estrogens or birth control pills (this risk is even higher with smoking)
Thrombophlebitis often causes the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the part of the body affected
- Pain in the part of the body affected
- Skin redness (not always present)
- Warmth and tenderness over the vein
Support stockings and wraps can help to reduce discomfort. Your provider may prescribe medicines such as:
- Painkillers
- Blood thinners to prevent new clots from forming, most often only prescribed when deep veins are involved
- Medicines such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling
- Medicines injected into the vein to dissolve an existing clot
You may be told to do the following:
- Keep pressure off the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk for further damage.
- Raise the affected area to reduce swelling.
Rare treatment options are:
- Surgical removal of a vein near the surface
- Vein stripping
- Bypass of the vein
Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular - 360 West Park Cardiology
Dr. Evan Ownby joined Intermountain Health after practicing for ten years as an interventional cardiologist in Lynchburg, Virginia. He brings extensive training and expertise in managing coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency, and venous thromboembolism. His practice includes chronic management of these diseases for patients in the clinic setting, complemented by various endovascular hospital-based procedures to optimize patient care.Dr. Ownby joined the Intermountain Health Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Mary’s Medical Center in 2024. He is board-certified in cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, vascular medicine and endovascular medicine. After earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, he received additional training at Indiana University, where he completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease. He also served as a Chief Resident in Internal Medicine. He then completed a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at The Ohio State University.Born and raised in the Ozarks in central Missouri, Dr. Ownby's personal background and interests make him relatable to the Western Slope community. He attended college in the West where he met his wife. They are parents to six children and have enjoyed getting to know and love many communities across the country. He is now excited to call Grand Junction home and looks forward to getting to know the beautiful surroundings and serving in the community. When he is not providing care at the Heart & Vascular Institute, he likes to spend his time hiking, traveling and other fun adventures with family. Dr. Ownby is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombophlebitis. His top areas of expertise are Heart Attack, Arterial Embolism, Necrosis, Pacemaker Implantation, and Endoscopy.
Premier Surgical Lawson Group
. Dr. Cutshall is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombophlebitis. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Thrombophlebitis, Bladder Reconstruction, and Hernia Surgery.
Vascular Surgical Specialists
. Dr. Flanagan is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombophlebitis. His top areas of expertise are Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens, Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia, Meige Disease, Pacemaker Implantation, and Carotid Artery Surgery.
Prompt treatment can treat thrombophlebitis and its other forms.
Complications of thrombophlebitis include:
- Blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Chronic pain at the location of the thrombophlebitis
- Chronic swelling at the location of the thrombophlebitis
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of thrombophlebitis.
Contact your provider right away if:
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- Your symptoms get worse.
- New symptoms occur (such as an entire limb becoming pale, cold, or swollen).
Routine changing of intravenous (IV) lines helps to prevent thrombophlebitis related to IVs.
If you are taking a long car or plane trip:
- Walk or stretch your legs once in a while
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Wear support hose
If you are hospitalized, your provider may prescribe medicine to prevent thrombophlebitis.
Summary: Research participants diagnosed with knee Osteoarthritis will be randomized through a draw using sealed opaque envelopes indicating two groups: 1. Therapeutic Exercises + Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and 2. Therapeutic Exercises + placebo Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Therefore, individuals of both sexes, aged 40 years or over, with a clinical diagnosis of unilateral ...
Summary: Cancer is a disease that, despite having a higher cure rate, is currently on the rise, with an increase in the number of diagnoses. For the treatment of these patients a venous access is required, which in the first treatments is of peripheral insertion. These peripheral venous catheter in combination with the highly aggressive treatments for the veins are the cause of the appearance of chemical p...
Published Date: February 08, 2024
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Wasan S. Superficial thrombophlebitis and its management. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 151.
Weitz JI, Eikelboom JW. Venous thrombosis and embolism. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 68.