Phlebitis of the lower extremities

Inflammatory processes of venous walls, as a rule, arise as a result of varicose dilatation and cause phlebitis of the lower extremities. The disease can occur in an acute and chronic form, and in the latter case, the pathology often go to a more severe stage, combined with a blockage of veins.

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities

The causes of the diseases under consideration are 2 types of the preceding factors:

• complicated varicose veins;
• infectious lesions with concomitant abscess.

The most common bacterial pathogen of phlebitis is streptococcus. It penetrates into the blood through skin lesions (cuts, abrasions), the use of household items with an infected person, non-healing purulent wounds.

Sometimes the disease is caused artificially for therapeutic purposes. For example, to treat varicose veins, a special sclerotizing substance is injected into the vein, which first provokes the aseptic process, and then - the gluing of the venous wall.

Thrombophlebitis is considered a consequence of the absence of phlebitis therapy, characterized by the presence of large blood clots and plugs of veins.

Symptoms of phlebitis of lower extremities

Clinical manifestations of pathology depend on its shape (chronic and acute), as well as the location of the affected veins (superficial and deep).

Acute phlebitis of the lower extremities has such signs:

• redness and denseness of the skin in the area of ​​inflammation;
• local hyperthermia;
• soreness of the vein;
• feeling of tension in the damaged area;
• general weakness;
• pronounced red streaks along the vessels;
• a rise in the temperature of the whole body.

If the disease affects the deep veins, it is additionally noted:

• swelling of the feet;
• the skin of the limb acquires a milky white color;
• fever or fever;
• strongly pronounced pain syndrome, exacerbated in the evening or after a long walk, wearing uncomfortable shoes.

For chronic phlebitis, all of the above symptoms are also relevant, but they do not manifest themselves so clearly, the periods of remission alternate with relapses.

How to treat phlebitis of deep and superficial veins of lower extremities?

The described disease is subject to conservative therapy without surgical interventions. Usually it is performed by a phlebologist on an outpatient basis, but in severe cases and with an acute inflammatory process, stationary monitoring is indicated.

Treatment of phlebitis of the lower extremities suggests:

1. Maximum long rest for the feet, while their elevated position is desirable.
2. Reception of medications that improve the supply of the venous wall.
3. Use of drugs that dilute blood (Aspirin, Detralex, Normoven).
4. Application of local medicines that increase the elasticity of blood vessels and blood circulation (Troxevasin, Venitan).
5. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs, sometimes - corticosteroid drugs .
6. Admission of painkillers.
7. Physiotherapeutic procedures (magnetotherapy, acupuncture, radio wave effect).

After alleviating the condition of the patient and stopping all the foci of inflammation, it is recommended to continue treatment using compression underwear. Socks, stockings or pantyhose are selected in accordance with the degree of the disease and the necessary amount of compression (grades 1-3). They need to be worn all day, and it is advisable to walk as much as possible.

It should be noted that to prevent recidivism, phlebologists are advised to properly equip the bed: put your feet on a special pillow that keeps the feet at a level of 30-40 cm from the surface of the bed.