Leg pain and swelling are common symptoms of varicose veins, but there are other uncomfortable symptoms to be aware of. If you have varicose veins, you're likely familiar with symptoms like painful, enlarged veins on the legs and feet, swelling, cramping, and a feeling of heaviness in the limbs. However, you may not be aware of another side effect of varicose veins: phlebitis.
Superficial thrombophlebitis, or phlebitis, occurs when blood clots form in a shallow arm or leg vein, creating a firm lump surrounded by tender, red, and swollen skin. Although phlebitis is not severe, a vein specialist should evaluate patients experiencing symptoms to rule out a more severe disorder.
Various factors can cause phlebitis, some overlapping with the risk factors for varicose veins. Some causes of phlebitis include but aren't limited to:
Varicose Veins: Damaged veins with compromised blood flow can lead to clot formation.
Prolonged Inactivity: Long periods of sitting or lying down, such as during hospital stays or long flights, can slow blood flow and increase the risk of clotting.
Trauma to the Vein: Injury or surgery involving a vein can trigger inflammation and clot formation.
Hormonal Factors: Women are at risk for developing varicose veins due to hormone changes from pregnancy or contraceptive use.
Phlebitis in varicose veins can cause various symptoms, from mild discomfort to severe pain and swelling. Understanding these symptoms helps in early detection and timely intervention. If you suspect phlebitis, seek medical advice promptly to manage the condition effectively and maintain your vein health.
Symptoms of phlebitis in a varicose vein include but aren't limited to:
Redness and Warmth
The area around the affected vein often becomes red. The skin over the inflamed vein may feel warmer than the surrounding areas.
Swelling
Swelling is usually noticeable around the vein and can extend to a larger area if the inflammation is significant. The skin around the vein may appear puffy and swollen due to fluid buildup and inflammation.
Pain and Tenderness
A common symptom of phlebitis in a varicose vein is pain in the affected area, ranging from a dull ache to sharp, intense discomfort. The area can become tender to the touch; even light pressure can cause pain or discomfort. Some people may also experience a burning sensation in the area, along with itching of the skin over the inflamed vein.
A Firm or Hard Lump in the Vein
Some patients can develop a firm, cord-like vein that can be felt under the skin, sometimes accompanied by a lump that may be visible and feel firm when pressed.
Skin Discoloration
The skin over the affected vein may become darker. Due to reduced blood flow and inflammation, some patients' skin may take on a bluish tint.
Difficulty Moving
Pain and swelling can make it difficult to move the affected limb comfortably. The affected area may feel stiff and less flexible, and the affected limb, especially the leg, may feel unusually heavy.
The inflammation and clot formation in these veins can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to more severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Phlebitis also shares symptoms with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a severe medical condition that requires immediate attention.
Dull, throbbing, or heavy ache in one leg, usually below the knee
Swelling of the leg
Chest pain
Disorientation
Trouble breathing
DVT requires immediate medical treatment to prevent the clot from moving to the lungs, where it can cause shortness of breath and chest pain. If you experience symptoms of PE, seek treatment at an emergency room.
If you suddenly experience symptoms that could be related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), seek immediate medical attention. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) can help you determine if your symptoms are from DVT with its DVT rule-out service. This comprehensive service includes a DVT scan, treatment, education, and follow-up care. For more information, contact the DVT hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (844-568-3691).
Recognizing the symptoms of phlebitis early is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or vein specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Ignoring phlebitis can lead to more severe complications, including but not limited to the following:
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): If a clot in a superficial vein extends into a deeper vein, it can lead to DVT, a more severe condition that can result in life-threatening pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs. It causes severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, which, in severe cases, can be fatal.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Recurring phlebitis, as well as untreated and painful varicose veins, can damage the vein walls and valves, leading to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood flow through the veins is impaired, causing long-term swelling and pain.
Talk to your vascular specialist about skin or vein changes, especially if your symptoms or discomfort have increased.
Treating varicose veins can indeed reduce the risk of developing phlebitis. Here's how:
Improved Blood Flow: Treatments like sclerotherapy and ablation improve blood flow, reducing the likelihood of clot formation.
Reduced Inflammation: These treatments can reduce the frequency of phlebitis by addressing the underlying cause of vein inflammation.
Prevention of Complications: Effective treatment of varicose veins can prevent the
progression of more severe conditions, such as DVT and chronic venous insufficiency.
Your vascular specialist will diagnose phlebitis in a varicose vein with a physical examination and diagnostic testing. You'll review your medical history and current symptoms and answer questions about your pain level, swelling, and other relevant details. Your vascular specialist will examine your legs, focusing on the varicose vein and surrounding area.
Your vascular specialist may order an ultrasound of your leg to detect a blood clot in a superficial or deep vein. Your doctor may also order a blood test to detect an increased presence of D-dimer, a substance released by the body to break down blood clots.
However, the level of D-dimer can rise due to medical conditions other than a clot. As a result, if a D dimer test returns positive, you may still need further tests.
If, during the diagnosis process, your doctor determines you have or are at risk for DVT, hey may prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent clots or drugs to break up the clot.
The treatment for phlebitis in a varicose vein depends on the severity of your symptoms. It's best to discuss your treatment options with your vascular specialist to ensure that you're not at risk for a DVT or other complications before attempting any self-care measures.
Treatment for phlebitis in a varicose vein includes but isn't limited to:
Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by phlebitis and help improve circulation.
Elevation: Elevating your leg helps decrease swelling caused by phlebitis by promoting blood flow back to the heart. Elevation can also help ease symptoms of varicose veins and benefit your vascular health.
Compression Stockings: Compression stockings can decrease symptoms like heaviness, swelling, aches, and cramping by improving circulation, which is also beneficial for varicose vein symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation caused by phlebitis. Talk to your vascular specialist about any medicines you're considering taking or if they recommend any specific over-the-counter anti-inflammatory.
If, during the diagnosis process, your vascular specialist determines you have or are at risk for DVT, they may prescribe blood-thinning medications to prevent clots or drugs to break up an existing clot.
One of several minimally invasive surgical procedures can treat phlebitis linked to varicose veins. These same-day operations are painless and enable patients to return to normal daily activities after a brief recovery period. Some of these treatments include:
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into varicose veins, causing them to collapse and fade. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy uses ultrasound to pinpoint the vein needing treatment. A foam form of sclerosant is then injected into the vein, closing it. The body naturally reroutes blood flow to healthier veins, and the closed vein is reabsorbed over time.
Laser ablation involves inserting a thin fiber through the skin into the varicose vein and using a laser to heat the vein wall, causing it to collapse and close. The body naturally absorbs the closed vein, redirecting blood flow to healthier nearby veins.
Radiofrequency ablation, like laser ablation, heats and closes varicose veins using radiofrequency energy. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein to emit radio waves that heat and close specific sections of the vein. After removing the catheter, the body absorbs the closed vein and redirects blood flow to healthier nearby veins.
During ambulatory phlebectomy, the doctor makes tiny incisions to remove varicose veins directly. The incisions are small and usually require a bandaid and a compression wrap to aid healing. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that will have you back on your feet within days.
Varithena offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for varicose veins. It involves injecting microfoam into the vein to collapse it and reroute blood flow to healthier veins in the legs.
VenaSeal is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure for varicose veins. It uses a medical adhesive to seal problematic veins, eliminating the need for heat or sclerosants. VenaSeal reduces discomfort and the risk of nerve injury, especially in sensitive areas like the small saphenous vein.
ClariVein offers a fast and comfortable solution for varicose veins. This minimally invasive procedure takes less than 30 minutes and can be done right in your doctor's office. A thin catheter with a rotating tip is inserted into the vein. The tip disrupts the lining while a special medication (sclerosing agent) is injected, working together to close the diseased vein.
Taking proactive steps to manage varicose veins and seeking timely treatment for phlebitis can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of serious complications.
For some patients, treating their varicose veins may decrease the frequency and risks of developing phlebitis and decrease uncomfortable varicose vein symptoms. Talk to your vascular specialist about what varicose vein removal is best for you.
Addressing varicose veins and phlebitis is just one aspect of comprehensive vein care. Patients with varicose veins can take additional steps to maintain healthy veins, reducing their risk of phlebitis and improving their overall and vascular health.
If you have undergone varicose veins or phlebitis treatments, regular follow-ups are essential to ensure the treatments are effective. Regular check-ups with a vein specialist are crucial for monitoring your vein health and catching any potential issues early, allowing for adjustments if necessary.
Your vein specialist can assess the condition of your veins and look for any issues through physical exams and imaging tests and give you personalized treatment and advice based on your history, risk factors, and lifestyle to help you improve and maintain your vein health.
Regular physical activities, like walking or swimming, improve blood flow and strengthen the muscles that support your veins. Having a movement or exercise routine helps prevent prolonged periods of sitting or standing, which can strain the veins in your lower body. If your job or lifestyle involves extended periods of sitting or standing, take regular breaks to move around and stretch to promote healthy blood circulation.
Eating a diet rich in high fiber, including leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and lean meats, is especially good for your vein health. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, lowers blood sugar and blood pressure, and reduces the risk of varicose veins and related complications. An active lifestyle and a healthy diet can also help you lose weight and relieve pressure on your veins, especially in the legs.
Reduce your salt intake and choose water or unsweetened, decaffeinated beverages to stay hydrated, as salt, sugar, and caffeine can increase dehydration.
Make lifestyle changes that will have long-term benefits. Work to quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, and find healthy ways of managing stress. Smoking damages blood vessels and impairs circulation, increasing the risk of clot formation. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your veins and overall health. Chronic stress can negatively affect your cardiovascular health. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.
Talk to your vascular specialist before you incorporate anything new into your daily or fitness routine. Ask for their recommendations to ensure you’re getting the most out of your new lifestyle changes.
Phlebitis, while often not life-threatening, can be a painful and concerning condition, particularly for those with varicose veins. Proactive vein care is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing severe conditions. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) provides high-quality, comprehensive vascular care for all vein disorders, including varicose veins and phlebitis. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at a Center for Vein Restoration near you and take the first step towards healthier veins and a more comfortable life.
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