Phlebitis in the thigh

Definition - What is Phlebitis in the Thigh?

Phlebitis in the thigh is not uncommon and describes an inflammation of the superficial veins, more precisely their vascular wall. Such inflammation is usually accompanied by reddening, hardening of the vein and pain. The causes of such inflammations can be diverse. In the thigh area, however, there are usually varicose veins (Varices) causal. Due to the increased blood pressure in the lower extremities, varicose veins occur almost exclusively on the lower and upper thighs, which can then lead to inflammation of the veins.

It is not uncommon for a phlebitis to lead to the formation of a thrombus, i.e. the formation of blood clots, which then further restricts the blood flow in the vein. Depending on the severity, the inflammation and the accompanying thrombosis can also affect the deep vein system. One then speaks of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be associated with considerable risks, such as a pulmonary embolism. Phlebitis in the thigh should therefore always be presented to a doctor in order to initiate adequate therapy and to prevent possible severe courses.

Read more on this topic at: Phlebitis in the leg

causes

The causes of phlebitis on the thigh are very diverse. Still, varicose veins are by far the most common underlying cause of such inflammation. In this case one speaks of a so-called varicophlebitis. However, reduced blood flow can also lead to slow thrombosis of the superficial leg veins, which can then be accompanied by inflammation. Risk factors for this are all circumstances that reduce venous blood flow, such as clothing that is too tight, little physical activity, long bed rest and orthopedic surgery. However, the risk of leg vein thrombosis is also increased during pregnancy and when taking the pill. In contrast to varicophlebitis, one speaks in this context of thrombophlebitis. Another cause is the injury to the vein wall. Such vein injuries on the thigh are mainly due to injuries or medical interventions, such as a catheter examination. In rare cases, autoimmune diseases such as Behcet's disease can also lead to inflammation of the vein wall in the thigh.

Read more on this topic at: Varicose veins

These symptoms tell me that there is phlebitis in the thigh

The spectrum of symptoms of phlebitis on the thigh is usually very specific for this disease. The vein is clearly swollen and can be felt roughly. Usually it rises above normal skin level due to the swelling. There is also a clear reddening of the vein. The inflammation is usually accompanied by pain, which is especially aggravated when touching the overlying skin. But tension in the thigh muscles also often intensifies the pain.
If the phlebitis is bacterial, a fever can also occur. In the event that the inflammation and the accompanying thrombosis of the vein spreads to the deep venous system, further symptoms can result. This includes significantly more severe pain, especially when standing and running, as well as a bluish-red discoloration of the lower leg. If the latter symptoms occur, there is a well-founded suspicion of deep vein thrombosis, DVT, which should be treated promptly by a doctor.

Read more on this topic at: I recognize phlebitis by these symptoms

Pain

Depending on the severity of the severity, mild to severe pain can occur as part of a phlebitis. These are usually described as sensitive to pressure, so they become stronger as soon as the skin over the inflamed vein is touched. Tensing the thigh muscles can also lead to greater pain. Adequate pain therapy for the affected region in the form of tablets or ointments should therefore always be part of adequate therapy for phlebitis.

diagnosis

The medical history and the clinical examination can already be groundbreaking in the diagnosis of phlebitis. Those affected usually report pain in the course of the veins on the thigh, which is aggravated when the skin is touched. In addition, there is usually a noticeable reddening of the skin. The vein itself is usually felt to be clearly hardened and swollen. Many patients also report known varicose veins or a diagnosed thrombosis of the superficial femoral veins.

In order to confirm the suspicion of phlebitis, an ultrasound is usually carried out afterwards. In this, in addition to the clearly thickened vein wall and the surrounding inflammatory reaction, a decrease in venous blood flow can also be determined. Blood tests can also provide important information about the possible presence of a thrombosis. If there is a reasonable suspicion of a thrombosis connected to the deep venous system, further sectional imaging, such as an MRI or CT, is performed in some cases.

Treatment / therapy

The precise components of phlebitis therapy depend largely on the underlying cause. However, all forms have in common that the affected leg should be immobilized and cooling of the overlying skin is recommended. In addition, in almost all cases an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ointment such as diclofenac is used. The latter can also be taken as a tablet for more severe courses and combined with other pain relievers.

If the presence of varicose veins is the cause of the inflammation of the vein wall, the further aim of therapy is to remove the affected veins in order to prevent possible recurrence of the disease. There are numerous methods for this, such as stripping, i.e. surgical removal, sclerosing with lasers or chemical agents.

Read more on this topic at: Remove varicose veins

In the case of thrombophlebitis, i.e. phlebitis with the formation of blood clots, compression stockings should always be worn. Especially if there is a suspicion of spreading into the deep leg vein system. In order to avoid possible complications such as a pulmonary embolism, the aim is usually to thin the blood with heparin. In some cases, surgical removal of the blood clot is also recommended.

Read more on this topic at: Treatment of phlebitis

Home remedies

There are numerous home remedies that are said to have an effect on phlebitis and that can be used in addition to medically prescribed therapy. Most of these home remedies are wrapped around the thigh. The most common remedies used in this context are alcohol and apple cider vinegar wraps, curd and curd cheese wraps and clay wraps. Quark and clay should have a temperature of around 18-21 ° C when used. All these forms have in common that they lead to a pleasant cooling of the skin, which has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, depending on the tightness of the wrap, compression of the thigh is sought.

Read more on this topic at: Home remedies for phlebitis

Where does phlebitis in the thigh occur most often?

In almost all cases of superficial phlebitis on the thigh, the so-called great saphenous vein is affected. This originates on the inner ankle of the ankle and, in most people, runs on the inner side of the lower thigh and thigh. This increase is mainly due to the fact that this vein is often affected by changes in the form of varicose veins. The smaller small saphenous vein, which originates from the outer ankle and flows into the deep leg vein system in the knee cavity, can also be affected by inflammation.

Duration / forecast

The duration of a phlebitis depends largely on the severity of the inflammation. Lighter phlebitis can usually be healed after a few days with adequate therapy and immobilization. However, if there is a more severe form that is associated with the risk of deep vein thrombosis, the course of the disease can be significantly prolonged and a hospital stay of several days may be necessary. For the duration and prognosis of the disease, early detection and adequate therapy are crucial.

Read more about the here Duration of a phlebitis

Course of disease

Phlebitis can develop within hours to days, depending on the underlying cause. While inflammations caused by varicose veins usually take several days to become clinically relevant, for example, venous damage caused by an injury can lead to a significant inflammatory reaction after just a few hours. The course of phlebitis on the thigh is usually completely uncomplicated and a clear response to the therapy can be seen after just a few days. With more severe forms of phlebitis, which are associated with the risk of deep vein thrombosis, the course of the disease can, however, be much more serious. If it is detected too late or if therapy is inadequate, there is a high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which can reach life-threatening proportions. Phlebitis should therefore be presented to a doctor in all cases in order to rule out possible severe courses or to detect them as early as possible.