How can I relieve the pain, tightness and pressure I'm experiencing after endovenous laser ablation and sclerotherapy?

Six months ago I had a five-inch section of my great saphenous vein treated with sclerotherapy. The procedure was done above the knee. On the same leg, I also had endovenous laser ablation performed on the lesser saphenous vein from the mid-calf to the knee. Since the procedures, I have pain, tightness and pressure on the inside and back of my knee. It gets worse during and after exercise. What will help?

Answers from doctors (10)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 07, 2013

You need to be evaluated. Contact your treating physician and schedule an appointment so that your symptoms can be assessed.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to be evaluated. Contact your treating physician and schedule an appointment so that your symptoms can be assessed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Nov 05, 2013

That tight feeling usually comes from the vein scarring down and closing off. The saphenous veins are typically more superficial around the knee area, and that is why the area around the knee tends to be more sore than the rest of the leg. Make sure you have a follow-up ultrasound. Also, make sure that your physician is accredited and qualified to be in charge of your care/treatment.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

That tight feeling usually comes from the vein scarring down and closing off. The saphenous veins are typically more superficial around the knee area, and that is why the area around the knee tends to be more sore than the rest of the leg. Make sure you have a follow-up ultrasound. Also, make sure that your physician is accredited and qualified to be in charge of your care/treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 30, 2013

Have your vein expert do an ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis. You can wear compression hosiery and walk for relief. Also, look for incompetent perforator or tributary veins and superficial thrombophlebitis of the distal great saphenous vein.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Have your vein expert do an ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis. You can wear compression hosiery and walk for relief. Also, look for incompetent perforator or tributary veins and superficial thrombophlebitis of the distal great saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 29, 2013

I think you need a re-evaluation by your vein doctor.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

I think you need a re-evaluation by your vein doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Oct 29, 2013

Noticeable discomfort six months after ablative treatment is unusual. I would first recommend an ultrasound to confirm successful vein closure. If the treated veins are closed and you have no contraindication to NSAIDs,
try an NSAID.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Noticeable discomfort six months after ablative treatment is unusual. I would first recommend an ultrasound to confirm successful vein closure. If the treated veins are closed and you have no contraindication to NSAIDs,
try an NSAID.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 29, 2013

Given the fact that you had your treatment 6 months ago, any or most of your treatment discomfort should be resolved by this time. That said, the fact that you are still having issues tells me that you did not get a complete treatment. Contrary to popular belief, treating only the saphenous vessels does not constitute a complete treatment. You had a partial treatment, probably by someone who does not do a lot of vein treatments. Had you gotten a complete treatment, it is highly unlikely that you would be having these issues. You need to be re-evaluated by an accredited vein specialist who has the experience to fully treat you. After being examined, he/she should be able to telly you what is causing your issues and what needs to be done to fix them.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Given the fact that you had your treatment 6 months ago, any or most of your treatment discomfort should be resolved by this time. That said, the fact that you are still having issues tells me that you did not get a complete treatment. Contrary to popular belief, treating only the saphenous vessels does not constitute a complete treatment. You had a partial treatment, probably by someone who does not do a lot of vein treatments. Had you gotten a complete treatment, it is highly unlikely that you would be having these issues. You need to be re-evaluated by an accredited vein specialist who has the experience to fully treat you. After being examined, he/she should be able to telly you what is causing your issues and what needs to be done to fix them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 29, 2013

This is not a normal part of healing. You should be re-evaluated and have another ultrasound examination to determine if this is related to the procedure or not.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This is not a normal part of healing. You should be re-evaluated and have another ultrasound examination to determine if this is related to the procedure or not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Oct 28, 2013

To relieve your symptoms, try stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy with special ultrasound therapy to open the adhesions (SCAR FORMATION) may help too.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

To relieve your symptoms, try stretching exercises and anti-inflammatory medication. Physical therapy with special ultrasound therapy to open the adhesions (SCAR FORMATION) may help too.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 28, 2013

There are a number of things you can do at home to relieve the pain, tightness, and pressure. Try hot baths, dry heat, and medication (aleve-ibuprofen).

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

There are a number of things you can do at home to relieve the pain, tightness, and pressure. Try hot baths, dry heat, and medication (aleve-ibuprofen).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 28, 2013

What you are describing is certainly not the norm following closure procedures of the greater and lesser saphenous veins. You appear to be feeling discomfort along the areas treated, probably because the vein in that area has clotted. Usually these symptoms should resolve by 2 months with symptomatic treatment consisting of NSAIDS and heat to the area. Six months post-procedure, this problem should be addressed. First, obtain a venous ultrasound to identify the treated veins. Next, consider drainage of the clotted areas under local anesthesia and even ultrasound guidance.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

What you are describing is certainly not the norm following closure procedures of the greater and lesser saphenous veins. You appear to be feeling discomfort along the areas treated, probably because the vein in that area has clotted. Usually these symptoms should resolve by 2 months with symptomatic treatment consisting of NSAIDS and heat to the area. Six months post-procedure, this problem should be addressed. First, obtain a venous ultrasound to identify the treated veins. Next, consider drainage of the clotted areas under local anesthesia and even ultrasound guidance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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