If you’re searching for this, you’re probably concerned that your hard varicose veins are a sign that something is wrong.
In a way, that’s true. Something has gone “wrong” with your varicose veins. However, most of the time, this isn’t a cause for concern.
“Phlebitis” is a small bump that grows from a protruding varicose vein. This is a fancy way of saying you have a blood clot in your varicose vein.
But don’t be worried — while this bump may be painful, most of the time, it is not a serious cause for concern.
Still, you should consult your doctor about these bumps urgently.
Why? Well, there are instances where a hard varicose vein may be a sign of a bigger problem. In this article, we’ll use our experience as Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based vein experts to detail what phlebitis is, tell you when it might be a problem, and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
What is phlebitis?
If you’ve had varicose veins for some time now, you’re probably already familiar with how they look and feel.
Phlebitis is when those varicose veins become inflamed. (Note: there is also such as thing as ‘deep vein thrombophlebitis,’ which occurs deeper under the skin, but that is outside the scope of this article).
After the vein is inflamed, it may appear red, become itchy, and, crucially for this article, feel hard.
Other symptoms may occur alongside the phlebitis, such as leg pain or a low-grade fever. While most of these are not indicative of a bigger issue, there’s a chance that something might be seriously wrong. This is why it’s important to discuss your phlebitis with a doctor.
What causes phlebitis?
Phlebitis is brought about by the same risk factors that lead to varicose veins. These include inactivity, poor diet, pregnancy, and more.
In its essence, phlebitis is simply a blood clot. Because of that, the possibility of developing phlebitis in your varicose veins is tied to your likelihood of developing varicose veins in the first place. Just as you cannot fully prevent your blood from clotting, you cannot stop the development of phlebitis without proper vein treatment.
However, if you do not yet have varicose veins — or currently only have minor varicose vein issues — there are a few things you can do to prevent the development of both further varicose veins and phlebitis.
If you’re a smoker, you can consider quitting the habit, or at minimum reducing the amount of cigarettes you smoke per day.
If you don’t often exercise, try adding a little movement into your life. This doesn’t need to be hours at the gym; instead, you can take the stairs in buildings instead of the elevator. You can also switch short, casual trips that you would normally take with your car to walks or bicycle rides.
Additionally, you can change your attire. Doctors recommend against tight-fitting clothing if you have varicose veins, and they recommend purchasing a good pair of properly-fitted compression stockings to help improve blood circulation in your legs.
How do I make phlebitis go away?
First, we must reiterate that you should first see a doctor.
But if a doctor has checked out your case and determined your phlebitis to be harmless, there are a few steps you can take to handle your phlebitis pain and discomfort quickly.
Generally, a doctor will recommend taking an anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help you manage your pain and try to reduce the inflammation.
A doctor may also suggest a warm compress, which should make your leg feel more comfortable.
Finally, a doctor may also suggest elevating your legs a few times each day. Doing this is easier than you might think. For example, you can simply elevate your legs with a stack of pillows while you relax on the couch watching the evening news.
However, if you want to make phlebitis — and varicose veins in general — go away forever, there’s only one solution.
How do I make phlebitis go away forever?
Two words: vein treatment.
Vein treatment is a quick and low-pain process to completely get rid of your varicose veins. We offer a variety of treatments catered to your exact situation, and most of our clients are able to return to work or their everyday lives the same day!
If you’re interested, get in touch with us via our contact form.