I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
The saphenous nerve is very close to the great saphenous vein from the knee down to the ankle and can be injured during a closure procedure. Numbness or tingling around the medial ankle and sometimes pain can be signs of a saphenous nerve problem. Fortunately, most of these symptoms improve over about a year. Follow up with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
EVLT can be the cause of nerve damage, especially of the small sensation nerves. If this occurs, healing can be expected, however patience is required as nerve tissue is the slowest type of human tissue to heal. It can take up to a year for nerve damage to heal.
The sensory nerve is particularly close to the greater as well as the short saphenous veins at the ankle level. Thus, if the vein is treated this far down the leg, the incidence increases.
The fact that your discomfort is worsening may actually not be a negative factor. As sensory nerves regenerate, they can create uncomfortable sensations but may represent healing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Nerve damage is a possible complication of EVLT. Usually it resolves by 6 months. I do recommend that you discuss it with your treating physician however.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is theoretically possible to have neuralgia after a procedure, but usually this resolves spontaneously. This is generally very rare however. Contact your surgeon for further information.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
EVLT can cause thermal injury to nervers. Most commonly the injury is to small cutaneous sensory nerves that can cause skin numbness in a small area overlying the area of vein that was ablated. Injury to motor nerves is much less common, but can occur. However, the pain in your ankle is likely due to an altered gait related to the post-procedure soreness and pain and less likely a nerve injury. In either case, you should f/u with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012