Definition for Phlebitis

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Phlebitis is a condition in which a vein becomes inflamed (phleb=vein + it is=inflammation). The inflammation may cause pain and swelling. When the inflammation is caused by a blood clot or thrombus, it is called thrombophlebitis. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may also affect the veins in the arms.

There are two sets of veins in the arms and legs, 1) the superficial veins that run just under the skin, and 2) the deep veins.