The ability of thrombophlebitis to heal on its own is related to the type of disease.
In general, superficial vein thrombosis and associated superficial thrombophlebitis is a benign, self-limiting condition, but is frequently recurrent and prolonged and can cause significant discomfort and functional limitation. In addition, a small proportion of superficial vein thrombosis can lead to deep vein thrombosis or even pulmonary embolism, the adverse consequences of which are often overlooked and should therefore be promptly treated as soon as abnormalities are identified.
Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, is generally less likely to heal spontaneously and once it does, must be treated aggressively with a variety of therapeutic modalities such as bed rest, heat, drugs and surgery to achieve the best prognosis and avoid pulmonary embolism and other adverse outcomes.