Why are veins in my shin getting swollen and sore?

The veins on my legs are quite prominent, but my doctor has always said they are not bad enough to need treating.

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Recently, though, one on the front of my shin became swollen, hard and sore, and my doctor told me the vein was inflamed. I was given anti-inflammatory tablets, and it does appear to be slowly getting better. But why has it happened? I haven't injured my leg.

This sounds like superficial thrombophlebitis, where a vein near the surface of the skin becomes inflamed, which makes it red and sore.

There may be a very small clot inside the vein as well, which makes it feel hard. Unlike clots in deeper veins, clots in veins near the surface are not usually serious because they are much smaller and there are other veins that can carry blood and bypass the blocked one.

Though thrombophlebitis may be caused by slight trauma, such as a knock, in many cases it occurs for no apparent reason, although it is more likely to occur in varicose veins.

Ibuprofen, which has an anti-inflammatory as well as painkilling action, can be helpful, but make sure you take it after food because it can irritate the stomach lining.

Staying active is important as this boosts the circulation in your legs. When you are resting, raise the affected leg so it is higher than your hip, and this helps the blood flow in the veins. Normally superficial thrombophlebitis settles in two to six weeks, but sometimes a persistent darker area of skin can be seen over the affected vein, which may feel slightly harder when you press it. These too should slowly disappear.