These are the symptoms I recognize as phlebitis of the thigh

The symptom spectrum of a phlebitis on the thigh is usually very specific for this disease. For example, the vein is clearly swollen and palpates roughly. In most cases, the swelling causes it to rise above the normal skin level.

In addition, a distinct reddening of the vein can be observed. The inflammation is usually accompanied by pain, which is intensified when the overlying skin is touched. However, the tension of the thigh muscles often leads to an intensification of the pain.

If the phlebitis is caused by bacteria, a fever can also occur. If the inflammation and the accompanying thrombosis of the vein spreads to the deep vein system, further symptoms may result. These include significantly stronger pain, especially when standing and walking, and a bluish-red discoloration of the lower leg.

If the latter symptoms occur, there is a reasonable suspicion of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which should be treated immediately by a physician. Depending on the severity of the condition, mild to severe pain can occur in the context of phlebitis. This is usually described as pressure-sensitive, i.e. it increases as soon as the skin over the inflamed vein is touched. Tension of the thigh muscles can also lead to more severe pain. An adequate pain therapy of the affected region in the form of tablets or ointments should therefore always be part of an adequate therapy of phlebitis.

Diagnosis

Even the patient’s medical history and clinical examination can be groundbreaking in the diagnosis of phlebitis. For example, affected persons usually report pain in the course of the veins on the thigh, which increases when the skin is touched. In addition, there is usually a marked reddening of the skin.

The vein itself usually becomes clearly hardened and swollen. Many patients also report already known varicose veins or a diagnosed thrombosis of the superficial veins of the thigh. In order to confirm the suspicion of a phlebitis, an ultrasound scan is usually performed afterwards.In addition to the distinct thickening of the vein wall and the surrounding inflammatory reaction, a reduction in the venous blood flow can also be detected. In addition, blood tests can provide important information about the possible presence of a thrombosis. If there is a well-founded suspicion of a thrombosis connected to the deep vein system, in some cases further sectional imaging such as MRI or CT is performed.