Treatment and Prevention
Thrombophlebitis usually improves on its own in a few days, although it
may take a few weeks for the lumps and pain to disappear.
To relieve mild inflammation and discomfort, elevate the affected area and
apply warm moist packs to it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time throughout the day.
People with superficial thrombophlebitis should try to stay active (walk
around). If the inflammation and symptoms last longer than a day or two, or
if symptoms become worse, see a doctor as soon as possible.
In cases where the thrombophlebitis is due to an infection, treatment with
antibiotics often takes care of the problem. In rare cases, when the antibiotics
aren't enough to control the infection, surgical removal of the inflamed portion
of the vein may be required.
If the inflammation involves a leg vein near the groin area, seek medical
attention right away. For more severe cases of thrombophlebitis, such as
DVT, doctors often prescribe blood-thinning medications such as heparin* or
warfarin. These anticoagulant medications thin out the blood and help
prevent new blood clots from forming. Often, treatment will start in the hospital
so patients can be closely looked after. When there aren't any complications,
patients with DVT can usually return to normal activity within one or two months.
For some people, taking long-term warfarin therapy may be necessary to prevent
new blood clots from forming.
In some women, the use of oral contraceptives may increase the risk for
forming blood clots. The risk is higher for women over 35 years of age who
smoke or have a history of previous blood clots. If you take birth control pills
and smoke, you should stop smoking to lower your risk for thrombophlebitis or
DVT.
To help prevent clots, avoid long periods of immobility during long car
trips or airplane flights. Try to walk around and stretch for a few minutes
every hour or so. Elevate your legs above your heart level if possible, and
if you have a history of blood clots, wear support stockings or socks.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.