Phlebitis
Phlebitis
Phlebitis is the ultimate pain in the vein. It’s a condition marked by inflammation of the blood vessels, usually in the legs. When phlebitis strikes veins near the surface of the skin, it hurts like crazy but generally isn’t dangerous. But when the inflammation occurs deep within the leg, it can be serious; if left untreated, an infection may develop. On rare occasions, a clot can form, break free and lodge in a dangerous spot such as your head or lungs.
Overweight people are more likely to develop phlebitis, as are women who have just given birth and people who have suffered injury to a leg or who have had recent surgery. Anyone with recurring phlebitis should be under a doctor’s care. The natural remedies in this chapter—in conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor’s approval—may help prevent phlebitis or ease its symptoms, according to some health professionals.
See Your Medical Doctor When...
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Food Therapy
“Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which are very helpful in building blood vessel walls, and that can help those with phlebitis,” says Julian Whitaker, M.D., founder and president of the Whitaker Wellness Center in Newport Beach, California. He recommends eating several servings of oranges, grapefruit and strawberries each day for both prevention and treatment. (For other food sources of vitamin C, see “Getting What You Need” on page 142.)
Reflexology
Work the adrenal gland, colon and liver reflex points on the hands or feet, says St. Petersburg, Florida, reflexologist Dwight Byers, author of Better Health with Foot Reflexology.
To help you locate these points, consult the hand and foot reflex charts beginning on page 582. For instructions on how to work the points, see “Your Reflexology Session” on page 110.