Introduction
A phlebitis is characterized by painful overheating and pain. Although phlebitis often resolves itself within a few days with only a few remedies, a visit to the doctor and treatment is still very important. This is because there is a risk of the phlebitis spreading to deeper lying veins. This can lead to life-threatening thromboses (venous occlusion) and pulmonary embolisms (venous occlusion in the lungs). The treatment of phlebitis is usually carried out locally with ointments, so that no medication has to be taken.
How can phlebitis be treated?
A phlebitis is primarily treated with anti-inflammatory, locally applied and cooling ointments. Local therapy of superficial phlebitis is sufficient if there is no evidence of the inflammation spreading to the deep veins. If phlebitis is suspected, a family doctor should always be consulted.
This doctor can assess the phlebitis, prescribe ointments and weigh up the risk of possible complications and, if necessary, initiate further treatment steps. Movement is very important for the functionality of the veins. This stimulates the circulation and increases the blood flow in the veins.
This supports the healing process. Normal walking is sufficient for this, as far as this is possible due to pain and swelling. Before sports activities are undertaken, a thrombosis should be ruled out by the doctor.
Standing around, however, should be avoided. In some cases a surgical intervention is necessary. Blood clots can be removed through small incisions.
It is also advisable to stay in the clinic to remove the entire vein, e.g. if it is severely affected or if there are also strongly developed varicose veins. There is also the possibility of taking a cure in case of severe or recurring phlebitis. The spa houses offer intensive and extensive treatment and consultation.
In general, smoking also has a negative effect on the health of the veins. This is because smoking promotes the occurrence of phlebitis. Women who also use hormonal contraception are particularly at risk. Learn more about the duration of phlebitis
Home remedies
Classical household remedies that are used are various wraps. Quark wraps, for example, are said to be very effective. Quark compresses have a cooling and anti-inflammatory effect.
For the curd wrap, the curd should not be used directly from the refrigerator. It should also not be applied directly to inflamed skin. Gauze bandages are suitable for differentiation.
Wraps with vinegar water, alcohol or clay are also used. Besides the various compresses, a lot of exercise and vein walking are helpful. During venous walking, the muscle pump should be specifically activated.
For this, special attention is paid to the rolling and impression movement of the foot when walking. Even if the above-mentioned home remedies are very helpful in the case of phlebitis, a doctor should still be consulted for a precise clarification. Cooling has a decongestant and pain-relieving effect.
Cooling can be achieved with ice cubes or cool packs. In addition, various compresses such as quark compresses also have a cooling effect and are often used. Like compression stockings, raising the legs supports the work of the veins – the return transport of blood to the heart.
In addition, putting them up also has a pain-relieving effect. In addition to raising the legs, sufficient movement should also be ensured, as this activates the muscle pump in the legs, which supports the work of the veins. Compression stockings support the task of the leg veins to transport the blood back to the heart.
This is important for maintaining the blood flow. This can also counteract the spread of inflammation into the deeper veins. Wearing compression stockings is not always necessary, but generally recommended.
However, wearing compression stockings is not always possible at the beginning of therapy due to pain. However, wearing compression stockings is highly recommended in cases of venous weakness or varicose veins, even if many people find this rather unpleasant. Compression stockings are available in medical supply stores. .
