What are the differences between thrombophlebitis and a DVT?
Superficial thrombophlebitis causes a painful swelling along the course of the veins close to the surface of the skin. The pain may vary from moderate discomfort to a cramp-like pain. The pain gradually subsides over a period of one to two weeks, leaving hard clots that can be felt along the course of the veins. A DVT may be more difficult to diagnose as it may occur without signs or symptoms. There may be pain, swelling and tenderness – these occur most commonly in the calf, but may occur anywhere in the leg up to the groin. It is possible to confuse the symptoms of a DVT with those of other conditions such as muscle strain, or infection involving the skin or muscle. The danger of a DVT is that the clot may dislodge and travel through the circulatory system to the lungs – a clot in the lungs is referred to as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE will cause shortness of breath and chest pain, and can be life-threatening. All DVTs must be treated immediately to prevent this occurring. Unfort
