Prevention & Treatment of Vein Inflammation

Thrombophlebitis is a medical condition which occurs when vein inflammation is caused by a blood clot. Although this condition most commonly occurs in veins of the legs, veins of the arms and neck may also be affected. Superficial phlebitis is one type of this condition, which occurs when a vein near the surface of the skin is affected. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a vein deep within a muscle is affected. This is particularly threatening to health, as the clot may dislodge and travel to the lungs, resulting in a blocked pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism). This condition often results from a period of prolonged inactivity, such as sitting for an extended time period in an airplane or car, or from an extended amount of bed rest after surgery. Symptoms of thrombophlebitis include warmth and tenderness in the affected area, as well as redness and swelling. A DVT in the leg may occur with no associated symptoms.

Medications are available for the treatment deep vein thrombosis. Injection of a blood thinner medication, such as the anticoagulant heparin, is used to help prevent a clot from getting larger. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an oral anticoagulant that may be taken for several months after the heparin treatment to further prevent clots from growing.