Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombophlebitis

Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is a condition affecting the walls of superficial veins, where a blood clot forms in the vessel’s lumen. The pathology most commonly involves the veins of the lower limbs. Upper limbs, the chest area, and the neck are less frequent localizations. To prescribe the correct treatment, doctors must first determine what caused the disease and assess the patient’s overall health.

How Does Thrombophlebitis Manifest?

The disease often appears suddenly, but sometimes symptoms progress gradually. The main signs include:

• The skin along the vein becomes firm and red;

• Body temperature rises;

• Local swelling is observed;

• Noticeable and persistent pain.

Causes and Symptoms of Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis often develops as a consequence of varicose veins due to venous stasis. Blood flow in the veins slows down, and the weakened vein wall becomes more susceptible to pathological changes. However, the disease may also be caused by:

• Local and systemic inflammatory processes;

• Increased blood clotting;

• Vessel wall injuries;

• Prolonged bed rest;

• Infectious diseases.

Thrombophlebitis may also appear after long car or air travel, when a person remains immobile for extended periods. Venous inflammation commonly develops during pregnancy, after childbirth, and following gynecological surgeries. The condition can also arise after a stroke due to limb paralysis, as well as because of dehydration or obesity.

Ignoring thrombophlebitis or trying to self-treat is strictly prohibited. The disease is life-threatening due to complications – a clot may detach and migrate into the pulmonary arteries. All the above symptoms should alert you and serve as a reason for urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis

First, a phlebologist will perform a physical examination. To confirm or rule out the diagnosis, additional tests are required: blood tests (general, coagulation panel, D-dimer) and ultrasound (duplex angioscanning, Doppler ultrasound). In most cases, these methods are sufficient, but in certain situations, CT or MRI with vascular protocols may be recommended. X-ray diagnostics are now rarely used, as safer and more informative methods are available.

Varicose veins are not just a superficial vein network on the legs. This condition significantly reduces quality of life. Swelling, pain, and heaviness in the legs by the end of the day are only the first symptoms, which over time may progress to thrombophlebitis or trophic ulcers.

The good news: modern treatment methods allow you to get rid of varicose veins once and for all – without pain, scars, or long recovery. Specialists at the Korona Clinic explain:

• how to recognize varicose veins at early stages;

• which treatment methods are the most effective;

• how to prevent disease progression.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are a condition in which the venous wall becomes thinner and the vein lumen widens, causing the veins to lose elasticity and change shape.

According to statistics, varicose disease occurs in at least 40% of women and 20% of men, especially after the age of 30. However, it is sometimes diagnosed even earlier, equally often in young men and women.

The disease usually develops due to an imbalance of collagen and elastin in the body. A major risk factor is heredity – a mutated gene responsible for the structure of blood vessel walls can be passed down.

Those at higher risk also include people with sedentary or standing jobs, as well as individuals who are overweight.

 

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop due to impaired blood circulation, when venous valves stop functioning properly. Blood pools in the lower limbs, creating excessive pressure on the vein walls, which gradually stretch and deform.

Varicose disease can be triggered by both hereditary and acquired weakness of the veins as a result of:

• Heredity – the most significant factor. If your parents or grandparents had varicose veins, your risk increases by 70–80%. What is inherited is the tendency toward weak venous walls and valves.

• Sedentary lifestyle, which causes blood stagnation in the legs. Particularly risky are desk jobs – office workers, drivers, and cashiers are in the high-risk group.

• Occupational strain – prolonged standing (hairdressers, salespeople, surgeons) or heavy lifting creates constant pressure on the venous system.

• Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking hormonal contraceptives weaken vein walls and slow blood flow.

• Excess weight, which increases the load on the legs and makes blood circulation more difficult.

• Diseases of the pelvic organs (prostatitis, gynecological conditions) can disrupt venous outflow and provoke varicose veins.

Main Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Signs of venous disease in the lower limbs may include:

• heaviness and pain in the legs, worsening by evening;

• leg swelling;

• appearance of visible veins and nodules;

• trophic skin changes;

• pigmentation and ulcers.

If pain and heaviness in your legs bother you every evening, it’s better not to wait for further symptoms. Instead, seek a consultation with a phlebologist at the Korona Medical Center in Lviv. We will perform diagnostics and choose the most effective treatment method specifically for you.

 

Stages of Varicose Veins: How to Recognize the Disease at Each Stage

There are several classifications of varicose vein stages. In Ukraine, the one most commonly used divides the disease into three stages:

Stage 1 – Compensation: “Just Tired Legs”

In the initial stage, varicose veins are almost unnoticeable. The only visible signs are thin vascular “stars” and a superficial “mesh” on the legs, which many people perceive as a cosmetic issue.

Symptoms that should not be ignored:

• Heaviness in the legs at the end of the day

• Mild swelling that disappears after rest

• A feeling of “fullness” in the calves

• Rapid leg fatigue during walking

Many people attribute these symptoms to tiredness or uncomfortable footwear. However, treatment is most effective at this stage and can be limited to conservative methods.

Stage 2 – Subcompensation: When Symptoms Become Obvious

Venous insufficiency progresses, and the symptoms become more pronounced. Visible enlarged veins of bluish-green color appear on the legs.

Typical signs:

• Nighttime calf cramps

• Swelling that does not go away after sleep

• Pain and a feeling of pressure in the legs after prolonged standing

At this stage, conservative treatment becomes less effective, so doctors recommend minimally invasive procedures.

Stage 3 – Decompensation: Serious Complications

This is the most severe stage, when tissue nutrition is impaired and dangerous complications may develop.

Symptoms:

• Persistent severe swelling

• Skin discoloration – darkening, brown spots

• Dryness, flaking, and cracking of the skin

• Constant itching and burning

• Dermatitis and eczema

• Trophic ulcers that are difficult to heal

Important! At the third stage, there is a high risk of thrombophlebitis – inflammation of the veins with blood clot formation, which can be life-threatening.

 

Diagnosis of Varicose Veins: What to Do If You Notice Symptoms?

The first step is a consultation with a phlebologist, who evaluates external signs, takes a medical history, and assesses risk factors.

Ultrasound of the veins of the lower limbs (duplex scanning) is also performed. This is the most informative diagnostic method, allowing visualization of the vein wall, valves, and detection of blood clots. Ultrasound helps determine the exact stage of venous damage.

After diagnosis, the doctor develops a personalized treatment plan based on the stage of varicose disease, the presence of comorbidities, and the patient’s lifestyle.

 

Varicose Vein Treatment Methods in Lviv: What You Should Know

Varicose veins require surgical treatment. Modern, minimally invasive techniques are used, including:

• Radiofrequency ablation

• Sclerotherapy

• Classical open venectomy

All varicose vein procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance. This allows doctors to precisely identify the affected veins and minimize the risk of damage to surrounding tissues during surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation is an intravascular thermal treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to close the lumen of the affected vein. Today, it is one of the best, most painless, and fastest treatment options.

Laser ablation is a safe technique in which a laser beam acts on the damaged vein, causing it to seal and gradually dissolve.

Sclerotherapy is a modern treatment method in which a special substance (sclerosant) is injected into the vein, causing the vein walls to stick together and eventually disappear.

All three methods have the following advantages:

• High effectiveness due to precise targeting
• Ability to perform the procedure even in complex cases (skin induration or trophic ulcers)
• Excellent cosmetic result (no scarring)
• Short recovery period without significant lifestyle restrictions
• Painless and well-tolerated, which makes these methods suitable even for treatment after childbirth

Classical Venectomy (Phlebectomy)

Sometimes this is the only effective method for treating advanced varicose disease, especially when other techniques have not produced significant results. Most often, a combined surgery is performed, involving ligation of the great saphenous vein, removal of large venous trunks, and excision of altered veins.

This method is highly effective, but it cannot be used during pregnancy or in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The recovery period lasts up to one month.

Prevention of Varicose Vein Disease

To reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, follow these recommendations:

Movement is the best prevention. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing. Take breaks to stretch – even a short walk helps activate blood circulation in the legs.

Regular physical activity. Swimming, yoga, walking, and cycling are ideal types of exercise for maintaining venous tone.

Compression hosiery. Wearing special stockings or knee-highs helps reduce pressure on the veins, especially during long trips or standing work.

Weight control and a balanced diet. Excess weight increases pressure on the veins. Eat foods rich in fiber, vitamins C and E, and rutin – they help strengthen blood vessel walls.

Avoid harmful habits. Smoking worsens blood circulation, and excessive alcohol consumption disrupts the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.

Contrast showers for the legs. Alternating warm and cool water tones the vessels and improves venous outflow.

Elevate your legs above heart level. After a long day or before sleep – this helps reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Concerned about varicose veins?

We invite you to book a consultation with a vascular surgeon at our clinic!
To make an appointment, please contact us at:
(050) 282 98 68, (068) 776 65 54.

At the Korona Medical Center, patients leave in just 60 minutes  without annoying and bothersome “spider veins,” “vascular webs,” and bulging veins!