Symptoms and Complications

The area around the vein is red, swollen, and often painful. Because the blood in the vein tends to clot, the vein feels hard, not soft like a normal vein. The vein can feel hard down its entire length.

Untreated phlebitis can spread to deep veins, and a blood clot can possibly break free from a deep vein and move towards the lungs. The moving blood clot, called an embolus, can block blood flow to the lungs in rare occasions - this is called a pulmonary embolus. Phlebitis is most likely to spread to a deep vein from either of the two saphenous leg veins.

Making the Diagnosis

The doctor can tell that someone has phlebitis by examining the veins. An ultrasound scan may be performed to see if the phlebitis has spread into a deep vein.

Treatment and Prevention

Phlebitis usually improves on its own in a few days, although it may take a few weeks for the lumps and pain to disappear. Treatment usually consists of warm soaks, rest, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin* or ibuprofen. Wearing elastic compression stockings also can help. The doctor might also remove the blood clot under local anesthetic. In some cases, blood thinners such as warfarin may be required for up to three months to prevent its spread.

Doctors might do emergency surgery for phlebitis in the groin. Since this is the point where a superficial vein joins a deep vein, the blood clot could extend into a deep vein. Tying off the superficial vein under a local anesthetic can prevent this from happening.

To prevent phlebitis, avoid smoking and participate in moderate physical activity to maintain muscle tone and promote circulation.

*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.