Phlebitis – 3 Home Treatments – Step To Health

Phlebitis is a circulatory disorder that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. Depending on the stage of the disease, it can be associated, among other things, with the severity of symptoms, from pain to the formation of blood clots in the walls of the veins. This, in turn, can lead to what is known as thrombophlebitis.

Phlebitis is a disease that mainly affects the blood vessels of the upper and lower extremities, which can significantly reduce the quality of life and make it difficult to perform daily duties.

As this disease is quite common, we want to present some home treatments for it.

Phlebitis – varieties of the disease

Depending on the severity of the disease, phlebitis can be divided into:

• Superficial vein inflammation : the disease affects blood vessels just under the skin. It is manifested by small clots which usually do not pose a health risk.

• Deep vein inflammation: involves veins that run inside muscles and tissues. In this case, the clots obstruct the blood flow, which raises the pressure inside the veins. Moreover, these types of clots can rupture and travel to the heart and cause so-called embolism that requires medical attention.

Phlebitis – causes

The most important thing to know is that phlebitis can be caused by a wide variety of causes, and that some people are more prone to these types of conditions.

You should be aware that the most common causes of this disease are as follows:

• pregnancy
• Cancer changes in the body
• Venous insufficiency
• Blood circulation disorders
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Incorrect posture
• Injuries
• Burns
• Bacterial infections

Symptoms

First of all, phlebitis is very often relatively asymptomatic and is diagnosed during routine examinations. Symptoms that most often accompany this disease include:

• Constant pain in lower or upper limbs
• Hypersensitivity to touch
• A feeling of warmth in the extremities
• Elevated pulse
• Fever

So let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of each of the two types of phlebitis.

Surface vein inflammation – symptoms

• Fever
• The pain worsening when touching the affected area
• Clear enlargement of the veins
• Swelling
• Reddening of the skin

Deep vein inflammation – symptoms

• Fever
• Tachycardia
• Severe pain in the legs, arms or shoulders
• Yellowish skin
• Inflammation of the diseased area
• In more advanced cases – gangrene

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with phlebitis, be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions. Properly conducted treatment allows you to significantly alleviate the symptoms of inflammation in just a few weeks, and in less advanced cases – even in a few days.

• Remember to take painkillers and anti-inflammatories to prevent the development of the disease.
• In addition, rub the ointment prescribed by your doctor into the affected area, which will improve blood circulation in the extremities.
• After applying the ointment, wrap the diseased limb with an elastic bandage.

• Only use antibiotics if your phlebitis is due to a bacterial infection.

Phlebitis – home treatments

1. Cranberry

You should also know that this tiny fruit contains a lot of valuable nutrients and has numerous properties supporting the circulatory system, among others.

2. Warm and cold compresses

Thanks to variable temperature compresses, you can effectively relieve inflammation and feel relieved pain in the muscles.

• Apply a hot compress to the affected area for 10 minutes.
• Take it off and immediately apply a compress to the same place in winter and wait another 10 minutes.
• Then repeat this treatment for half an hour.
• If the inflammation affects your lower limb, lie down on the couch and lift your legs up to improve blood circulation.

3. Merchant

Kupalnik is generally considered to be the best natural pain reliever. Thanks to its properties, kupalnik also improves blood circulation in the veins and makes bruises less visible. You can get kupalnik ointments, oils and creams in pharmacies. It is also worth remembering to drink infusions of this beneficial plant.

Prevention of phlebitis

The most important step in preventing phlebitis is getting more active. We spend a lot of time sitting and it is extremely important for our health to find time, even for a short walk each day.

Here are the main recommendations you should follow to protect your veins from inflammation:

• Make sure you have a proper diet that is high in fiber and plenty of fluid, and low in salt at the same time. This way you will strengthen your circulatory system.
• Also, remember to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. If you don’t want to exercise every day, take some time for a short walk, and lie down with your legs elevated in the evening.
• Take care to maintain a proper weight so that you do not accumulate unnecessary fat in your body leading to obesity.

• In general, try to avoid high temperatures as they have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.

Recommendations

• If you work in a sitting position, make sure you get up every two hours and move your legs and arms.
• In the evening, spend a few to several minutes lying down with your legs elevated.
• Whenever you can, take off your shoes and go barefoot, primarily to strengthen your leg muscles.
• Remember to exercise at least three times a week.
• Do not smoke cigarettes as they increase blood pressure and have a very detrimental effect on circulation.
• Try to sleep with your legs resting on a pillow.

Also remember that these are only general guidelines and that diagnosis and proper treatment depend on the opinion of a specialist. Do not neglect such an important aspect of health as your cardiovascular system and see a doctor if you notice swelling or pain in your limbs.