Inflammation in varicose veins is often referred to as phlebitis. Phlebitis is an inflammation of the walls of the veins and possibly the tissue around the vein, and it can be painful. Phlebitis is not uncommon in combination with thrombosis, in which case it is referred to as thrombophlebitis.
An inflamed vein resembles a cord, and the skin around it is reddish and warm. Since the veins lie just beneath the skin, the inflamed vein can be seen from outside the body. The reason for this is that parts of the blood in the vein have stuck to the vein wall, which in turn has created a blood clot. As a result of the blood clot formation, the veins become harder and somewhat clogged, causing fluid to accumulate in the legs. When fluid accumulates, it is called edema, and in this case, it causes the legs to swell.
Although anyone can get phlebitis, it is somewhat more common for women to get it than for men.
Symptoms of inflammation in varicose veins
There are several symptoms of vein inflammation. Some of them are:
Reddish skin on the skin around a vein The skin is warm around the inflamed vein Sensitivity when pressing on the vein that turns into pain if the pressure increases Pain in the leg The skin becomes dark on the top side of the inflamed vein The vein becomes harder The above symptoms are not necessarily dangerous, but if they worsen, you should contact a doctor for an examination.
Symptoms of inflammation in varicose veins
As in most contexts with venous diseases, it is a combination of genetics and environment that causes them. Some of the risk factors for getting inflammation in a vein are:
- Having injections or having a catheter inserted into the vein
- Too much sitting or standing still
- Having varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Infections
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Being older, over sixty years
- Irritation from, for example, chemical injection during cancer treatment
- A possible injury that may affect blood circulation or that may have paralyzed one or both legs
Some of these risk factors cannot be influenced by oneself, such as accidents, but some can be influenced by actively changing one's lifestyle. In this context, it is important to manage one's diet, maintain normal weight, avoid smoking, and be physically active.
Diagnosing inflammation in varicose veins
A doctor uses a certain procedure to determine if a vein is inflamed. First, the affected area of the skin will be examined. Then the doctor will check:
- The pulse
- Blood pressure
- Blood flow
- Body temperature
An ultrasound examination may also be conducted, and blood may also be drawn for analysis.
Treatment of inflammation in varicose veins
In most cases, inflammation in varicose veins can be treated at home. The patient can apply a compress around the area with inflammation and then rest the leg in an elevated position. Wearing compression stockings can also help to reduce swelling.
There are also anti-inflammatory medicines that can be used to treat the inflammation. If such treatment is effective, the inflammation will normally subside within a couple of weeks.
In rare, severe cases, a procedure called vein stripping may need to be performed. This procedure removes the inflamed vein.
Prognosis and prevention of inflammation in varicose veins
Generally, inflammation in a varicose vein is a short-term condition that does not lead to any complications.
As for the prevention of inflammation in varicose veins, these measures are often the same as those for preventing varicose veins. Blood circulation is central, and measures that can improve it also prevent the onset of inflammation in a vein. Some examples of preventive measures, which reduce the risk of the onset of inflammation and the symptoms of an already existing inflammation, are:
- Maintaining a normal weight
- Regular physical activity
- A healthy diet
- Avoiding standing and sitting still for long periods
