Phlebitis (Superficial Thrombophlebitis) happens when a vein just below your skin gets inflamed from a blood clot. This could happen in areas of your body like your arms or legs. A vein that's inflamed might be red, painful, swollen, or warm to the touch.
This condition sounds scary but is usually not dangerous. However, it can be very uncomfortable. Several things can raise your risk for Phlebitis. They include being inactive for an extended period (such as during a long flight or bed rest), having varicose veins, or following a medical procedure involving veins (for example getting an IV).
It’s important to recognise the signs early. In case you see any of these symptoms, consult a certified Ayurveda doctor, who can offer you effective treatment to reduce the swelling and control pain. Superficial Thrombophlebitis generally resolves by itself, though expert advice can help speed up the recovery and make you feel better soon.
This inflammation caused by Phlebitis is usually painful, red and also causes swelling.
Knowing what triggers this condition can help you prevent it or get early treatment.
Prolonged Inactivity: Sitting or lying down for prolonged periods of time, for instance on long flights or during lengthy sleep rest, could impede blood circulation and increase the danger of clots.
Varicose Veins: These are swollen, twisted veins under the skin. Blood flow is already impaired in individuals with varicose veins, therefore raising the risk for Phlebitis.
Intravenous (IV) Catheters: The inserting of an IV catheter can irritate the vein causing inflammation and clot formation.
Surgery: Surgical procedures, especially those involving the legs can increase the risk of developing blood clots because mobility is often limited during recovery.
Trauma or Injury: Direct blow or bruise to a vein can cause inflammation and clotting.
Cancer: Several cancers make your blood more prone to clot, causing Phlebitis.
Pregnancy: The pelvic and iliac veins become more constricted with pregnancy, causing vein problems.
Smoking: Smoking impedes blood circulation and raises the risk of clots and Phlebitis.
Understanding the symptoms of Phlebitis might help you receive quick medical treatment and care. The key signs and symptoms to look for are:
The skin over the affected vein usually becomes red. This is one of the very first signs you might see.
The area around the affected vein may swell and feel puffy to the touch.
You may feel pain along the vein course. This pain may become more intense if you press on the vein or move.
The skin covering the inflamed vein may feel warm or hot relative to nearby areas.
The area may be very tender and it may hurt to touch or apply pressure.
Eventually, the afflicted vein may feel hard or cord-like when you touch it.
The skin over the vein may darken with continued inflammation over time.
Even though less common, some people also experience a mild fever if the area is very inflamed.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Phlebitis (Superficial Thrombophlebitis) by combining time-tested Ayurvedic therapies with advanced ayur-science medicines and counselling by top Ayurveda physicians to achieve the desired results. All ayurvedic treatments at Jiva are highly customised, varying from patient to patient, targetting the underlying root causes of the condition, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Customised Ayurvedic Medicines: Custom-made herbal medicines designed to balance the doshas and improve mood stability.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mental Wellness: Activities aimed at improving relaxation and mental health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Techniques like Panchakarma and massages help detoxify the body and calm the mind and emotions.
Diet and Lifestyle Advice: Personalised guidance on diet and lifestyle changes to optimise health outcomes.
The traditional Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, offers several herbal remedies to manage this condition by decreasing inflammation and encouraging better blood circulation.
Following are some commonly noted Ayurvedic medicinal herbs used during the treatment of Phlebitis.
Guggulu: This resin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and helps reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.
Triphala: Triphala, consisting of three fruits, helps digestion and circulation thereby ensuring good vein health.
Arjuna: Arjuna strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation.
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb eases stress and inflammation to support body healing processes.
Brahmi: Traditionally used to promote blood circulation, Brahmi can also help with Phlebitis symptoms.
Sudden triggers can be a recent surgery, prolonged sitting during travel or a medical procedure involving veins such as IV insertion.
Yes, gentle walking enhances circulation and can prevent additional clotting, which might help with superficial Thrombophlebitis.
Yes, many cases resolve without intensive treatment in 1-2 weeks but the vein may remain hard for a longer period of time.
No, it does not cause a heart attack directly since it is only related to the superficial veins and not related to heart conditions.
Cooling & anti-inflammatory food is recommended in Ayurveda for Phlebitis, including leafy green vegetables, berries and spices like turmeric and ginger.
Ayurveda considers it an imbalance in Pitta dosha (metabolism and inflammation) and Vata (movement and circulation).
Certain yoga poses that help increase circulation are helpful, but poses should not be too aggressive or push the affected areas.
A cool compress or coconut oil can provide immediate mild relief from Phlebitis pain and swelling.
While Ayurveda can help control symptoms and underlying imbalances, lifestyle and dietary changes are imperative to avoid recurrence.
No, it is not contagious. It's a vascular condition brought on by blood clots and doesn't spread from person to person.
