The Difference Between Varicose Veins, Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis

Many women suffer from swollen leg veins which cause their legs to ache and hurt. The condition of the veins in your legs can be either troublesome or very serious. How can you tell when to see a doctor about the pain in your legs?

Varicose Veins are surface veins that become swollen, raised and bulging. They usually occur under the knee, at the inside of the leg or on the calf. The valves in the leg that return the blood to the heart become sloppy. The blood pools in are area of the vein. Half of the women over 50 years of age will develop varicose veins. Varicose veins occur more in women and it may be because of the high heels they wear. Your legs may ache and hurt. Superficial varicose veins can be treated by surgery or non-surgical techniques. This condition at this point is usually not serious but more cosmetic. Having varicose veins puts you at higher risk to develop phlebitis and blood clots.

Phlebitis mean inflammation of the veins. When it affects the superficial veins it is called Superficial Phlebitis. When deeper veins in the legs develop inflammation it becomes serious.

Causes of Phlebitis: Obesity and pregnancy because you gain weight in the abdomen which puts stress on the veins in the legs; smoking cigarettes; birth control pills; medical conditions such as certain blood disorders that increase clotting; prolonged sitting and inactivity; sitting in planes or long car trips; surgery to the legs; inherited blood clotting diseases; medical procedures or surgery where you must remain in bed for a prolonged period of time.

Deep Vein Phlebitis occurs in the deeper veins of the leg which often leads to Thrombophlebitis. When the inflammation occurs in the deeper veins is when you should have the condition evaluated by a physician. They may do one of several tests including an ultrasound of the leg.

Thrombophlebitis is when a clot or Thombus obstructs a vein in the leg, especially the calf area. The whole calf or leg will become swollen, hard, warm to the touch, and painful; lumps in the leg may develop; When you are sitting or laying down the pain may intensify; Leg areas may burn, sear, or throb as well; You may get severe pain in one area of the calf with intense pain. You may experience a fever as well.

If you have any chest pain or shortness of breath with the symptoms, you should go to the emergency room. A clot can break away from inside the leg and travel to the lung or heart. You should seek medical attention when you get the above symptoms.

Prevention of Varicose Veins and Phlebitis: If you work at the computer or any sitting job, get up and walk around every couple of hours to get the blood flowing. Exercise is good for the leg to keep blood moving. Wear compression socks to help support the weak leg veins. When you can, put your legs up to help reduce swelling.
Wear comfortable shoes with low heels. Warm compresses may help relieve discomfort.

Why does sitting too long cause problems? The blood is pumped back to the heart through muscle contraction. When you sit for too long, the blood pools and the veins enlarge and become inflamed. Often it is the veins under the knee that are affected in superficial phlebitis.

Standard Medical Treatment for Thrombophlebitis: Blood thinners such as lovenox (injections), Warfarin or Coumadin (injectable and oral treatment) for up to three months. In some cases you may need hospital treatment with heparin and other medicines.

References:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/phlebitis/page8_em.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thrombophlebitis/DS00223/DSECTION=symptoms