Phlebitis is an inflammation of the veins. It is associated with clot or thrombus in the vein. It usually affects the superficial veins – varicose veins – but the clot may extend into the deep veins causing a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.
Hidden Danger of Phlebitis – Yesterday, I saw a patient with painful varicose veins in his thigh. He had been dismissed by his GP as simply having phlebitis, a non-serious condition which would get better by itself. After calling my office for a second opinion, an urgent appointment was made for a duplex ultrasound scan. Let me tell you what I found.
Richard from Poole did indeed have phlebitis with red tender varicose veins in his thigh. His duplex scan confirmed the diagnosis and also showed that he had a considerable amount of thrombosis (clot) in the varicose veins that was extending up and dangerously close to the deep vein, the femoral vein. Although he did not yet have a deep vein thrombosis (a DVT), he was at high risk of developing one. So to prevent this and to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, I arranged for him to have blood thinning treatment – anticoagulation. Be aware, phlebitis is not a trivial unimportant condition and if you suspect you may have phlebitis it is vital you have an urgent duplex scan.
Contact me today for a confidential chat
If you’re worried about your veins and would like a confidential chat please do get in touch. I am happy to offer simple advice by telephone or email for free and without obligation.
The VeinCare Centre also offers a screening assessment with our vascular technologist. For £25 you can have a scan with Wendy Parsons. She is not a doctor and so she could not give you medical advice but she can check your deep veins and your varicose veins and give you an idea of how bad they are and whether laser might be suitable for you. If you would like to have an appointment with Wendy please call 01935 873 951
Read Reviews about the treatment that some of our patients have received