How long will my symptoms last? My doctor thinks I have phlebitis.

I have had warmth, tenderness and mild swelling in my medial knee since my VNUS procedure 6 wks ago. About a week ago, my knee; flared up after increasing the amount of walking. I followed up with my MD and there was no sign of DVT on the ultrasound, but that it's likely phlebitis. How long can this last?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 21, 2017

If this is venous, you may have inflammation. Your surgeon should be able to see this on ultrasound (he should be able to see a sealed vein and surrounding tissue inflammation). It is unusual that you are still having problems this far out. If it is the vein, low heat often, OTC anti inlammatory meds such as ibuprofen and Aleve and compression hose will take care of it. However there is a chance that this may be arthritic changes in your knee and you may need an orthopedic evaluation.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If this is venous, you may have inflammation. Your surgeon should be able to see this on ultrasound (he should be able to see a sealed vein and surrounding tissue inflammation). It is unusual that you are still having problems this far out. If it is the vein, low heat often, OTC anti inlammatory meds such as ibuprofen and Aleve and compression hose will take care of it. However there is a chance that this may be arthritic changes in your knee and you may need an orthopedic evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 08, 2014

Great question. Phlebitis can last a few weeks or up to a few months on occasion. These types of symptoms usually do not worsen significantly with increased activity like possible knee pathology would. If there are skin changes such as redness with warmth and swelling, then yes, you may still be recovering from phlebitis. If your skin looks perfect, then I would consider a knee joint problem.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

Great question. Phlebitis can last a few weeks or up to a few months on occasion. These types of symptoms usually do not worsen significantly with increased activity like possible knee pathology would. If there are skin changes such as redness with warmth and swelling, then yes, you may still be recovering from phlebitis. If your skin looks perfect, then I would consider a knee joint problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Jun 07, 2014

Two to three weeks. Take aspirin and/or ibuprofen, apply heat, massage the area, and it will get better faster.

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

Two to three weeks. Take aspirin and/or ibuprofen, apply heat, massage the area, and it will get better faster.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 07, 2014

Most likely what you are feeling is the clotted greater saphenous vein as a result of the VNUS procedure. This vein is supposed to clot then it will dissolve over time. In some people this process may take several months to occur. If you are thin, you may feel the vein more easily. Try heat to the area and ibuprofen.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Most likely what you are feeling is the clotted greater saphenous vein as a result of the VNUS procedure. This vein is supposed to clot then it will dissolve over time. In some people this process may take several months to occur. If you are thin, you may feel the vein more easily. Try heat to the area and ibuprofen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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