what is superficial blood clot
What is a Superficial Blood Clot? When blood clots in the superficial veins of the leg, it is known as a superficial thrombophlebitis (or commonly, phlebitis). Patients often may experience pain and tenderness on the surface of the leg with appearance of a tender lump or streak. Many times, patients recall a varicose vein in the same area prior to the phlebitis appearing. Varicose veins are a well-recognized risk factor for superficial thrombophlebitis. While phlebitis confined to the surface veins does not pose the same serious risk as DVT, we know that some patients with phlebitis progress to DVT as that surface clot extends to the deep venous system.