MamasHealth.com Home Blood Diseases Agnogenic Metaplasia Amyloidosis Aplastic Anemia Diabetes Hematuria Hemolytic Syndrome Hemophilia Hypercalcemia Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia Iron Deficiency Anemia ITP Leukemia Mastocytosis Multiple Myeloma Myelodysplastic Pernicious Anemia Polycythemia Vera Porhyria Sepsis Sickle Cell Anemia Thrombocytopenia Thrombophlebitis Von Willebrand's Disease Wegener's Granulomatosis Links Email Mama How to Switch Careers in Midlife Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is Thrombophlebitis? Thrombophlebitis (pronounced throm-bo-fluh-BI-tis) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot causes inflammation in one or more of your veins. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in the veins in your legs. On rare occasions, thrombophlebitis can affect veins in your arms. The affected vein may be near the surface of your skin or deep within a muscle. When the affected vein is near the surface of your skin, the condition is called superficial thrombophlebitis. When the affected vein is located deep within a muscle, the condition is called deep vein thrombosis. A clot in a deep vein increases your risk of serious health problems, including a dislodged clot traveling to your lungs and blocking an artery. Symptoms of Thrombophlebitis? The most common symptoms thrombophlebitis of are: tenderness over the vein pain in the part of the body affected skin redness or inflammation Risks for Developing Thrombophlebitis? Thrombophlebitis is caused by a blood clot. Blood clots can result from many different things. Your risk of thrombophlebitis increases if you: Are inactive for a long period of time, such as from sitting in a car or an airplane. Are confined to bed for a prolonged time, such as after surgery, a heart attack or a leg fracture. Have certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer, that may cause an increase in your blood of procoagulants, substances necessary for blood clotting. Have had a stroke that resulted in paralysis of your arms or legs. Have a pacemaker or a catheter in a central vein. Have varicose veins. Clots may develop in varicose veins, causing superficial thrombophlebitis. Can Thrombophlebitis be Treated? Yes. The kind of treatment used will depend on what caused thrombophlebitis. Some common treatments are: Medications Analgesics Anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent new clot formation Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation Antibiotics (if infection is present) Support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort Your doctor may also advise you to: Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage. Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.	Featured Book
	Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know Finding time for sex How to choose the best weight loss program Easy flirting tips How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend Surviving a financial crisis Save money in the kitchen Inexpensive health insurance
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved