The symptoms
In a phlebitis, the classic signs of inflammation such as swelling, redness, overheating, pain and a limited function in the affected area occur. During an inflammatory reaction, various messenger substances are released. These messenger substances lead to an expansion of the vessels.
As a result, more fluid can escape from the vessels and this area swells. However, it must be remembered that this area had already been swollen by the congested blood before. In addition, the inflamed area is supplied with more blood, which explains the redness and overheating.
Pain is the main symptom of the patient. It already occurs at rest and can get worse under stress. Due to the pain and the other accompanying symptoms, the function of the knee joint is severely restricted and patients are reluctant to walk.
The most feared complication of phlebitis is the so-called open leg. This describes an ulcer (ulcus cruris) which is unable to heal properly due to the blood congestion and the oxygen deficiency in the tissue. However, before this stage is reached, the inflammation manifests itself through the symptoms described above, which should be taken seriously.
The pain is the main symptom of phlebitis. The pain is often described as burning or stinging. They can be present at rest and become worse when under stress. The inflammatory reaction releases messenger substances that sensitize the nerve endings. Irritations that were previously perceived as unpleasant are now painful.
The treatment
The treatment depends on the underlying disease and varies accordingly. Acute phlebitis caused by a thrombosis usually heals on its own. Anticoagulant medication can be used to prevent the development of a new thrombosis.
However, if the thrombosis is in large vessels, thrombolysis (dissolution of the thrombus) should be considered.In case of inflammation caused by an injury, one can wait and if necessary administer anti-inflammatory drugs. The treatment of chronic phlebitis, on the other hand, is quite complex. The problem here is not the inflammatory reaction but the poor circulation.
Due to blood congestion, the veins are increasingly strained and can no longer fulfil their function. Consequently, less blood flows in this area and is undersupplied with oxygen. One therapy option is wearing compression stockings.
These exert pressure on the tissue and reduce blood congestion. Another option is lymph drainage. Here the lymphatic system is activated and transports away the fluid that is in the tissue.
The swelling is reduced. In addition, affected patients should exercise regularly to improve blood circulation in the legs or the hollow of the knee. An autoimmune disease is treated with drugs that inhibit the immune system.
This means that fewer of the body’s own cells are attacked and the inflammatory reaction is milder. Drugs that are frequently used are cortisone or immunosuppressive drugs. Another therapy option is antibody therapy.
Here, the antibodies can intervene very specifically in the immune system and dampen the function of the defense cells. The use of home remedies can alleviate existing symptoms. In particular, pain can be relieved by local cold therapy.
For this purpose, cooling pads or also quark wraps can be used. For a quark wrap, cooled quark should be evenly applied to a cloth or paper towel. Then you can put it on the affected area.
In addition to the cooling effect, quark also has an anti-inflammatory effect and can reduce redness, swelling and overheating. Furthermore, horse chestnut extract, red vine leaves or butcher’s broom can be taken as a natural remedy. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs.
