A phlebitis can affect healthy veins or varicose veins. If a varicose vein is affected (varicophlebitis) a painful, reddened hardening usually occurs that leads to obstruction of this vein (varicothrombosis). The cause of such an inflammation can be pre-existing varicose veins, injuries or also coagulation disorders or other systemic diseases. Varicophlebitis is already a complication of varicose veins that necessitates corresponding treatment.
Compression with a compression stocking for a few days, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and temporary haemodilution usually remove the symptoms within a few days.
Treatment of the underlying disease, that is, the varicose veins, should be initiated for prognostic reasons as soon as possible after venous inflammation.