Superficial thrombophlebitis occurs when a blood clot forms near the skin’s surface, causing the blood vessels to become inflamed. The condition can cause various symptoms, including pain, swelling, tenderness, warmth, and inflammation. While the condition usually doesn’t have serious complications, you can develop cellulitis or deep vein thrombosis if left untreated. You should contact a vein specialist at the first sign of symptoms. After evaluating your condition, your provider can create a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and help you recover.
A vein specialist will begin your appointment by diagnosing your condition. Your doctor will likely be able to determine if you have superficial thrombophlebitis by examining the area, looking for redness, firmness and tenderness. The doctor will take your vital signs including checking your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. Your doctor may conduct an ultrasound to check blood flow, and even an MRI or CT scan to look for larger blood clots in some circumstances, or a blood or skin culture to determine if you have an infection.
Your treatment will depend greatly on your risk for developing cellulitis or deep vein thrombosis. If you’re low risk, your doctor might send you home with care instructions that include taking anti-inflammatory medications and using warm or cold compresses to manage the pain. You also might need to wear compression stockings and keep your legs elevated. Walking is also necessary when you are recovering from superficial thrombophlebitis.
If you are at high risk for developing a complication, your vein specialist might recommend newer nonsurgical procedures. Endovenous thermal ablation is one such procedure. Your doctor will make a tiny hole in your calf and place a catheter into the saphenous vein. Laser or radiofrequency energy will then run through the catheter, closing the vein. Closing off this vein will result in the superficial varicose veins diminishing in size.
Sclerotherapy may also play a role in treating superficial thrombophlebitis. Instead of treating the saphenous vein, your vein specialist will inject a solution directly into the adjacent enlarged varicose veins. The veins will shrink and eventually turn into scar tissue.
If you think you have superficial thrombophlebitis, Dr. Vinay Madan and the Center for Varicose Veins can help. Dr. Madan offers endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and other treatments. With his help, you can recover quickly and safely. Contact the Center for Varicose Veins to schedule an evaluation today.
