The diagnosis | The phlebitis in the ankle

The diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by taking a medical history, physical examination, imaging and a blood count. During the anamnesis the attending physician asks about the symptoms and the beginning of the symptoms. During the physical examination, the foot is examined to see if there is any swelling or redness.

In addition, one can feel if a warming can be felt. An ultrasound image can show the blood stasis and, if present, the thrombosis. The blood test can confirm a thrombosis or possibly indicate the existence of an autoimmune disease. In this case, an extended diagnosis would be necessary.

The treatment

The treatment depends on the underlying cause and can vary accordingly.In case of inflammation of the superficial veins caused by thrombosis, the thrombosis should be eliminated. The body usually manages this on its own. However, it is possible to administer supportive medication that inhibits blood clotting.

These should prevent the development of another thrombosis. In rare cases, thrombolysis, i.e. the dissolution of the thrombus, may be necessary. The therapy of phlebitis, which occurs as part of chronic venous insufficiency, is often difficult.

The problem here is not the inflammation but the poor blood circulation in the feet and the reduced supply of oxygen to the cells. In order to improve the blood circulation, regular sports (running, hiking, cycling) should be practiced. In addition, the wearing of compression stockings is recommended.

Furthermore, leaking small vessels can become sclerosed. This reduces the leakage of fluid from the vessel into the tissue. Both the congestion and the inflammatory reaction can be reduced.

The therapy for autoimmune diseases is based on an inhibition of the immune system, so that the body’s own cells are less destroyed. For this purpose, drugs such as cortisone or other immunosuppressive agents are administered. In recent years, special antibody therapies have appeared which specifically intervene in the immune system and dampen the toxic effect. General therapeutic measures to reduce pain and swelling are cooling and elevating legs/feet.