Thrombophlebitis in my right leg. Should I wear compression stockings?

Q. I was recently diagnosed with thrombophlebitis in my right leg. I remember talking with someone who had the same problem and who wore compression stockings. Might this be something I should do?

A. Compression stockings can really help ease the discomfort of thrombophlebitis. In this condition, the leg veins closest to the skin’s surface (superficial veins) or those deeper become inflamed by a blood clot. This can occur when the muscular walls of the veins weaken or the valves that should keep blood flowing upward toward the heart malfunction.

Thrombophlebitis usually isn’t harmful. Deep vein thrombosis, however, poses much more danger, as the deeper clot often is not detected and may eventually break loose and travel in the bloodstream up to the lungs, where it can become lodged. (The deep veins carry nearly all the blood returning to the heart.)

Compression stockings work by putting slight pressure on the leg veins, supporting the valves that enable the upward flow of blood. They help to prevent blood and other fluid from collecting in leg tissues, which can cause episodes of swelling. Unlike regular support stockings, compression stockings have to be the right size to compress your leg properly. So, your doctor, a physical therapist, or a pharmacist will have to measure you. Once you have the correct measurements, you can buy the stockings over-the-counter.

The following actions may also help relieve the swelling and soreness of thrombophlebitis.

Sit or lie down with your legs elevated above your heart whenever you can.

Apply moist heat to your legs.

Take an anti-inflammatory or anticoagulation drug as directed by your doctor.