Do I have nerve damage? If so, can it be repaired?

On Jan 18, 2013, I had a varicose vein procedure done. Right after I got home, the pain was so debilitating. I had sharp shooting pain from my knee up to my thigh on my right leg. My doctor stated he did not know why this hurt so much and sent me to my doctor.

Answers from doctors (8)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Sep 27, 2013

Based on your history, it is hard to tell what is causing your problem without actually imaging your veins with an ultrasound. By imaging them, you can get a feel for what might be the source of your pain. Unfortunately, the doc who did your procedure should know this. My guess is that your vein doc does not do a lot of vein procedures. I suggest finding another vein doctor, one who is accredited and knows what he/she is doing and look into it. Whether your leg will feel better depends on what is the actual cause of your pain.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Based on your history, it is hard to tell what is causing your problem without actually imaging your veins with an ultrasound. By imaging them, you can get a feel for what might be the source of your pain. Unfortunately, the doc who did your procedure should know this. My guess is that your vein doc does not do a lot of vein procedures. I suggest finding another vein doctor, one who is accredited and knows what he/she is doing and look into it. Whether your leg will feel better depends on what is the actual cause of your pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 17, 2013

Has the pain gotten better over time? A follow-up ultrasound would be important to have to ensure the treatment was successful. Also, make sure that your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. If it is nerve damage, then give it a few months to heal.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Has the pain gotten better over time? A follow-up ultrasound would be important to have to ensure the treatment was successful. Also, make sure that your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. If it is nerve damage, then give it a few months to heal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Sep 13, 2013

There is a chance of nerve damage. When such occurs, it most often goes away with time. Follow up with the physician who did the procedure and have him/her assess the leg (particularly looking at the point of entry of the laser) further.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

There is a chance of nerve damage. When such occurs, it most often goes away with time. Follow up with the physician who did the procedure and have him/her assess the leg (particularly looking at the point of entry of the laser) further.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 09, 2013

You need to see a different vein specialist.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need to see a different vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 07, 2013

Your situation is troubling on many levels. You do not make clear whether the treating doctor had you return for an ultrasound to examine you, or provide extra compression, reassurance, pain control or anything else. You also do not state whether you went to see your primary doctor, were referred to a neurologist, or had some reduction in pain. Nor do you state whether you were sent to the ER if it was truly debilitating, for immediate attention. If in fact you do have nerve damage, relief can be sought via Gabapentin/Naproxin gel or
cold laser topically.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Your situation is troubling on many levels. You do not make clear whether the treating doctor had you return for an ultrasound to examine you, or provide extra compression, reassurance, pain control or anything else. You also do not state whether you went to see your primary doctor, were referred to a neurologist, or had some reduction in pain. Nor do you state whether you were sent to the ER if it was truly debilitating, for immediate attention. If in fact you do have nerve damage, relief can be sought via Gabapentin/Naproxin gel or
cold laser topically.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Sep 06, 2013

You need to be reevaluated. If your doctor cannot give you answers and if you do not trust him going forward, seek a second opinion.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to be reevaluated. If your doctor cannot give you answers and if you do not trust him going forward, seek a second opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 05, 2013

If you had closure of the greater saphenous vein, the area of greatest discomfort is usually in the middle of the leg from the groin to the knee. If this was your area of concern, then this could be normal post-procedure. If the pain was in another area, then this would not be normal. Also, you should not be having pain from a closure procedure 8 months later. I do not know if your pain is nerve related or not. You should get another opinion from a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If you had closure of the greater saphenous vein, the area of greatest discomfort is usually in the middle of the leg from the groin to the knee. If this was your area of concern, then this could be normal post-procedure. If the pain was in another area, then this would not be normal. Also, you should not be having pain from a closure procedure 8 months later. I do not know if your pain is nerve related or not. You should get another opinion from a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 05, 2013

It is difficult to say without knowing what type of procedure you had done and how it was performed. If it occurred immediately after your procedure, it is quite likely related to the femoral cutaneous nerve. If your symptoms have persisted since then you may want to see a neurologist.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is difficult to say without knowing what type of procedure you had done and how it was performed. If it occurred immediately after your procedure, it is quite likely related to the femoral cutaneous nerve. If your symptoms have persisted since then you may want to see a neurologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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