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Deep Vein Thrombosis / Superficial Thrombophlebitis Treatments
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition manifest by blood clots in a deep vein of the leg. It is a serious condition which can lead to many problems, the most serious of which is pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot that travels from the leg vein to the lungs -- a potentially lethal problem. There are a variety of relatively uncommon conditions that predispose one to deep vein clots. The most common causes for this condition are sedentary lifestyle, obesity, certain drugs, vein injury and sometimes a defect in the deep vein itself. Some patients have a hereditary predisposition to developing a DVT. If this condition is suspected, a simple test can diagnosis the problem and treatment, which usually consists of blood thinners, should be begun without delay.
A DVT can occur in any deep vein -- not only those in the leg. Depending on the clot's location, its treatment can vary. Any clot in a deep vein is serious and requires medical and/or surgical intervention.
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
This disease results from the formation of a clot in a superficial (shallow) vein as opposed to a deep vein. This disease is manifest by a very tender, swollen, and usually red (streak) going up the leg or arm. It is a condition more common in patients with varicose veins since the blood flow in these veins is abnormal. The disease can also happen after minor trauma or spontaneously. The disease is usually self-limited, but some cases require blood thinners.