Can excessive touching cause a vein to not heal properly?

I had the VNUS closure procedure on my leg two weeks ago. I now have firm, cord-like veins on the inside of my leg. I suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and can't stop touching them. Is this a problem? Can excessive touching, not pressing or massaging, cause problems?

Answers from doctors (8)


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 10, 2013

There is absolutely no detrimental effect of touching leg veins after treatment, although they may be sore! The vein will heal over time despite contact with it. I would try to avoid constantly touching it, that way you may notice the resolution and healing with better perception over time. In fact, I recommend daily light massage after VNUS (now Venefit) closure to help resolve the discomfort associated with the cord.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

There is absolutely no detrimental effect of touching leg veins after treatment, although they may be sore! The vein will heal over time despite contact with it. I would try to avoid constantly touching it, that way you may notice the resolution and healing with better perception over time. In fact, I recommend daily light massage after VNUS (now Venefit) closure to help resolve the discomfort associated with the cord.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 21, 2013

Not to worry. Gentle touching will not disrupt the healing process.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Not to worry. Gentle touching will not disrupt the healing process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Feb 21, 2013

It is normal for the treated veins to become firm and "cord-like". Touching the areas should not be a problem; however, they may become tender to the touch. This too is normal.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

It is normal for the treated veins to become firm and "cord-like". Touching the areas should not be a problem; however, they may become tender to the touch. This too is normal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Feb 21, 2013

No, but the more you touch it the more you are going to experience the pain from touching it. The cord is a normal part of the healing process and will take a month or more to resolve. You cannot hurt it by obsessing over it.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

No, but the more you touch it the more you are going to experience the pain from touching it. The cord is a normal part of the healing process and will take a month or more to resolve. You cannot hurt it by obsessing over it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 21, 2013

The cord-like veins are normal and should resolve with time. I don't think touching them is a serious problem, but it might delay healing and resolution.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The cord-like veins are normal and should resolve with time. I don't think touching them is a serious problem, but it might delay healing and resolution.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 21, 2013

It is normal to feel the cord. Touching the area should have no effect and cause no problems.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It is normal to feel the cord. Touching the area should have no effect and cause no problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

Published on Feb 20, 2013

No, excessive touching will not cause problems.

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Answered by South Palm Cardiovascular Associates

No, excessive touching will not cause problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 20, 2013

The hard cords are normal following VNUS closure procedures. Constantly touching them will not do any damage to the treated veins, but you may cause skin irritation. Try a moisturizing cream and keep the area covered with either a support (compression) hose or ace wrap. Ultimately they will heal, but you may aggregate the skin over them.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The hard cords are normal following VNUS closure procedures. Constantly touching them will not do any damage to the treated veins, but you may cause skin irritation. Try a moisturizing cream and keep the area covered with either a support (compression) hose or ace wrap. Ultimately they will heal, but you may aggregate the skin over them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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