A 40-year-old female with known varicose veins comes to the clinic with a painful, swollen, red area on her leg. She reports no injury or recent travel. On examination, there is a tender, indurated area surrounding a varicosity. What could be the potential cause, and what are the next steps?
This patient's symptoms are suggestive of superficial thrombophlebitis, a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein just beneath the skin. This condition is more common in individuals with varicose veins. The next step is to confirm the diagnosis, most likely using a Doppler ultrasound to visualize the blood clot. Treatment typically involves NSAIDs for pain, warm compresses, and possibly anticoagulation therapy if the clot is close to the deep venous system.