Phlebalgia

Description, Causes and Risk Factors:

Pain originating in a vein.

A vein is an elastic blood vessel that transports blood from various regions of the body to the heart. Veins can be categorized into four main types: pulmonary, systemic, superficial, and deep veins.

Pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.

1. Systemic veins return deoxygenated blood from the rest of the body to the right atrium of the heart.

2. Superficial veins are located close to the surface of the skin and are not located near a corresponding artery.

3. Deep veins are located deep within muscle tissue and are typically located near a corresponding artery with the same name (for example coronary arteries and veins).

Types: Adhesive phlebitis and septic phlebitis.

The following increase your chances for phlebitis:

Being hospitalized for a major surgery or with a major illness.

• Disorders that make you more likely to develop blood clots.

• Sitting for a long period of time.

Chronic venous disorders (CVD) constitute an important cause of discomfort and disability that is widespread in industrialized countries, and venous symptoms are the principal reason for seeking medical help in patients with this condition. However, the medical literature regarding venous symptoms is scarce and shows several apparent contradictions that may seem disconcerting.

Characterizing venous symptoms is not straightforward and this difficulty leads to a substantial part of the misunderstanding. They are reported in the clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological (CEAP) classification as “lower extremity aching, pain, and skin irritation” and most usually described as sensations of heaviness or swelling in the legs influenced by the standing position. Indeed, it is difficult for the patient to find the right words for a satisfactory description of the kind of perceptions he or she feels, and in addition to heaviness and swelling, other descriptions such as sensations of tension, aching, congestive pain, and “tired legs” are encountered.

Regarding the risk factors, besides female sex, the most prominent risk factors were the other venous disorders such as presence of varicose veins, venous reflux, and history of venous thromboembolism. Prolonged sitting or standing position at work is also a significant risk factor.

In contrast to the type of symptoms, the location of these symptoms is consistently reported as the lower leg.

Diagnosis:

The health care provider can usually diagnose the condition based on how the affected area looks. You may need to have your pulse, blood pressure, temperature, skin condition, and circulation frequently checked to make sure you don't have complications.

If the cause cannot be easily identified, the following tests may be done:

Blood coagulation studies.

• Doppler ultrasound.

• Venography.

There is a crucial need for further clinical studies on these symptoms, using careful characterization based upon a comprehensive description of signs and symptoms.

Treatment:

In general, treatment may include support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort as well as medications such as analgesics, antibiotics, and anticoagulants. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.

Therapies Include:

Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.

• Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.

• Raise the affected area to reduce swelling.

Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.

DISCLAIMER: This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.