What is the difference between deep vein thrombosis and thrombophlebitis?

Thrombophlebitis (throm-boe-fluh-BY-tis) is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs. The affected vein might be near the surface of the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or deep within a muscle (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).

What causes deep vein thrombophlebitis?

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Surgery, particularly surgery of the hip or leg, or abdominal surgery. Trauma or bone fracture. A long period of bed rest or sitting for a long time (e.g., on an airplane or in a car) Cancer.

Can deep vein thrombosis be cured?

In one word, yes. In most cases DVT, once diagnosed, there are several simple and successful methods used to treat DVT and other thrombi. While we’ve outlined some key remedies below, they should always be done in consultation with a doctor.

What happens if phlebitis is not treated?

Complications of phlebitis may include local infection and abscess formation, clot formation, and progression to a deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. When pronounced deep venous thrombophlebitis has seriously damaged the leg veins, this can lead to post-phlebitic syndrome.

What is the fastest way to get rid of phlebitis?

In general, superficial phlebitis of the upper and lower extremities can be treated by applying warm compresses, elevation of the involved extremity, encouraging ambulation (walking), and oral anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], diclofenac [Voltaren, Cataflam, Voltaren-XR], etc.).

How do you test for deep vein thrombosis?

Duplex ultrasound. It’s the standard test for diagnosing DVT . For the test, a technician gently moves a small hand-held device (transducer) on your skin over the body area being studied. Sometimes a series of ultrasounds are done over several days to determine whether a blood clot is growing or to check for a new one.

What does deep vein thrombosis feel like in leg?

Your pain may be mild or severe, but the extent of the pain isn’t associated with the size of the blood clot. The pain caused by a DVT, which may feel more like a cramp or tender area, is usually felt in the calf muscles or along the vein as it travels down your inner thigh.

What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?

Signs that you may have a blood clot

  • leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness.
  • swelling in the affected leg.
  • redness or discoloration of the sore spot.
  • the affected area feeling warm to the touch.
  • a throbbing sensation in the affected leg.

Why deep vein thrombosis can be so dangerous?

The condition becomes dangerous if a clot dislodges from the vein and travels to the lungs. This can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is potentially life threatening. The risk factors for deep vein thrombosis are well known, recent surgery, cancer, and obesity are three of the most common.

Why is deep vein thrombosis a serious threat?

Why is deep vein thrombosis a serious threat? Deep vein thrombosis can be very serious because blood clots in your veins can break loose, travel through your bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism can occur with no evidence of DVT.

What is the recovery time for deep vein thrombosis?

The location of the clot (whether your clot was in the calf only or further up in the leg in the thigh or pelvis)

  • Why the clot formed (what risk factors contributed to your clot)
  • An assessment of your risk for developing future clots if your anticoagulant is stopped (what risk factors you have which may cause another clot to develop)
  • Who is most likely to get deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

    Who is most likely to get deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? A personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you might be at greater risk of developing a DVT. Age. Being older than 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age.