What is Thrombophlebitis?

All of us have veins in our bodies. The main function of veins is to take blood back to the heart. There are veins of all sizes and found all over the body. Normally these veins function with great efficiency. However, sometimes veins do get damaged. The most common cause of vein damage is formation of a blood clot. Whenever a blood clot forms in a vein, it induces irritation and inflammation. The vein becomes tender and “angry”. If a superficial vein of the hand has developed thrombophlebitis, it will be tender to touch, perhaps slightly swollen, one may develop a low-grade fever, and the overlying skin will appear warm and red.

Thrombophlebitis can occur in both small and large sized veins. In the legs, blood clots often cause thrombophlebitis of large leg veins. When a blood clot occurs in
leg veins, it is known as a deep vein thrombosis.

In a hospital setting, thrombophlebitis of arm veins is very common. Whenever cannulas (plastic tubes) are inserted into arm veins, some degree of trauma occurs. Individuals who have intravenous lines in arms for prolonged times, those who receive chemotherapy drugs or those who have a depressed immune system are quite prone to superficial thrombophlebitis

The superficial veins in the legs are probably the most affected by thrombophlebitis. During pregnancy, these superficial veins get large and blood clots form inside them. The entire vein becomes “thick and rope” like and does hurt.