Superficial Thrombophlebitis

The Vascular Surgery team at the University of Michigan consists of world class surgeons and clinicians dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients suffering with thrombophlebitis. Treatment is available in our state-of-the-art University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center (CVC), as well as at our Livoina Vein Center outpatient clinic.

What is Thrombophlebitis?

Thrombophlebitis includes the formation of a blood clot that partially or totally block the flow of blood. Thrombosis can occur in the superficial venous system called thrombophlebitis or the deep venous system (called DVT). It is more serious when it occurs in the deep venous system because of the risk of a piece of thrombus breaking loose and traveling to the lungs (called pulmonary embolus, PE). This can impair breathing and can even cause death.

Signs and symptoms of superficial venous thrombophlebitis are:

a hard cord-like feeling along a vein
soreness over this area, redness and warmth over the vein
possibly some swelling in the area

People with deep venous thrombophlebitis (DVT) may have:

no signs or symptoms;
sudden swelling of the limb;
pain or aching of the limb;
fever; and/or
skin discoloration in severe cases.

Treatments for Superficial Thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis is treated with elevation of the leg; anti-inflammatory medicines such as Motrin; mild pain relievers if needed; warm, moist soaks to the area either continuously or every 4-6 hours as needed; and elastic bandages or compression stockings from the base of the toes to below the knee or higher. A short course of heparin or low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) may also be prescribed as well.