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?
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
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
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
I think you need a re-evaluation by your vein doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
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
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
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