Phlebitis is the term for the swelling of a vein, most often in
one’s leg. Thrombophlebitis is the term for inflammation of a
vein caused by a blood clot. The term is often shortened to
phlebitis. The condition is easily treatable, though it
sometimes leads to more serious health concerns. There are two
kinds of phlebitis: superficial phlebitis (affecting veins near
the skin's surface) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). When the
clot is embedded into a deep vein, thrombophlebitis can become
much more serious. The condition, appropriately named deep vein
thrombosis , can cause blood clots in the lungs ( pulmonary
embolism ), heart attack , and stroke . Phlebitis is often
caused by: - Prolonged bed rest following an operation - Use of
estrogen - Lack of exercising your legs over an extended period
of time (eg, long airplane trips) - Prior episodes of phlebitis
- Trauma to the lower extremity - Cancer malignancy—Certain
cancers may put you at risk for a clotting condition. This
condition can lead to venous thromb