Superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) is caused by inflammation due to clotted veins just below the surface of the skin. It usually occurs in the varicose veins coming from the superficial venous system involving the saphenous veins.  This causes the veins to become “hard and knotted” and painful.  Sometimes they may bleed and move to the deep venous system and become a deep vein thrombosis.   This form of clot is typically a short-term condition (1-4 weeks) that is primarily treated with local anti-inflammatory medicines and rest.  Once the initial episode is resolved, we will investigate your venous systems for malfunction and then treat the underlying cause to prevent recurrence.