Phlebitis Causes

Phlebitis may occur spontaneously or as a complication of a medical procedure. Local trauma and injury to a vein also increase the risk of forming a blood clot. Some risk factors for deep venous thrombophlebitis include the following:

• Prolonged inactivity. Blood returns from the extremities to the heart by the contraction of muscles. Situations in which a person sits or reclines for long periods of time can allow blood to pool and clot. Examples include long trips in a car or airplane or bed rest after an operation or illness.
  
  
• Sedentary lifestyle. Inactivity with little or no exercise
  
  
• Obesity
  
  
• Smoking cigarettes
  
  
• Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills
  
  
• Pregnancy
  
  
• Certain medical conditions, such as cancer or blood disorders, that increase the clotting potential of the blood
  
  
• Injury to the arms or legs
  
  
• Varicose veins may be associated with superficial phlebitis