Venous inflammation

Superficial venous inflammation is not usually dangerous and heals relatively quickly. Nevertheless, it should always be looked at by a doctor as thrombi can form which later develop into deep vein thrombosis. Chronic varicose veins are often the cause of superficial venous inflammation. The impaired blood flow in the varicose veins and the damaged vein wall facilitate the development of inflammation. It is less common for phlebitis to occur, for example, from an injection or when blood is taken.

Typical symptoms of venous inflammation are reddening of the affected vein, overheating in the area of the veins and dragging pain along the vein. If there is concomitant thrombosis, hardened, painful nodules can occur in the affected venous cord. If the patient becomes feverish as well, this is an indication of advanced venous inflammation and must be treated with antibiotics.

Venous inflammation can be diagnosed easily and quickly on the basis of the typical symptoms. An ultrasound examination or in rare cases an x-ray of the veins using contrast agent is also carried out to examine the deep veins (Phlebography).

Superficial vein inflammation usually heals quickly with appropriate treatment. Compressions, cooling ointments, anti-clotting ointments as well as anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication is used as treatment. Adequate movement is recommended to prevent thromboses from forming. Blood-thinning medication is used to combat thrombophlebitis which is threatening to spread into the deep vein system.

To prevent venous inflammation, varicose veins can be removed using various minimally invasive surgical procedures such as sclerotherapy or laser therapy. In some cases, surgery is also necessary. Find out more about this in the varicose vein surgery section.