How soon after foam sclerotherapy can I begin to play sports?

I've had a very big vein stripped from my leg, and I'm now having foam injections once a week in both my legs. I play a high level of netball. Is it OK to play sports after having the injections? The vein still feels swollen in some areas and is sore to touch.

Answers from doctors (7)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 06, 2017

Our patients typically are back to normal exercise in a couple of days. We no longer do strippings and patients are able to exercise gradually, increasing over a week. However when there is a chance of injury with a contact sport I would have patients wait a couple of weeks. The vein you are feeling may be trapped blood, and your surgeon should drain this - just a couple small needle sticks involved. It will heal faster and there's less chance of pigmentation. I typically, as a surgeon, remove larger surface veins at the same time as I do laser ablation on the saphenous vein.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Our patients typically are back to normal exercise in a couple of days. We no longer do strippings and patients are able to exercise gradually, increasing over a week. However when there is a chance of injury with a contact sport I would have patients wait a couple of weeks. The vein you are feeling may be trapped blood, and your surgeon should drain this - just a couple small needle sticks involved. It will heal faster and there's less chance of pigmentation. I typically, as a surgeon, remove larger surface veins at the same time as I do laser ablation on the saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Dec 31, 2013

One week is the preferred time to wait for vigorous activity.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

One week is the preferred time to wait for vigorous activity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Dec 02, 2013

Different doctors have different protocols, so check with your treating physician. I have my patients refrain from vigorous activities for one week after conventional sclerotherapy of varicose veins.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Different doctors have different protocols, so check with your treating physician. I have my patients refrain from vigorous activities for one week after conventional sclerotherapy of varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Nov 26, 2013

First of all, you should be wearing compression stockings for several weeks after each sclerotherapy session. Depending on the size of the vein treated, you should be wearing them for a minimum of three days
post-treatment (24 hrs/day, or 72 hrs) followed by two weeks (or more) of daily compression (not less than 20- 30 mmHg). As for exercise/ activity, for the first several days, no high-impact exercises or lifting heavy
objects; then physical activity is unrestricted with the use of compression.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

First of all, you should be wearing compression stockings for several weeks after each sclerotherapy session. Depending on the size of the vein treated, you should be wearing them for a minimum of three days
post-treatment (24 hrs/day, or 72 hrs) followed by two weeks (or more) of daily compression (not less than 20- 30 mmHg). As for exercise/ activity, for the first several days, no high-impact exercises or lifting heavy
objects; then physical activity is unrestricted with the use of compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Nov 26, 2013

As long as you wear your compression stocking, you can play sports.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

As long as you wear your compression stocking, you can play sports.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 26, 2013

I suggest consulting your with your doctor. I usually recommend a week limited physical activity.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I suggest consulting your with your doctor. I usually recommend a week limited physical activity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 26, 2013

Following foam sclerotherapy I recommend that patients get back to their usual activities as soon as possible. The only limitations I recommend are compression for 2 days, no hot baths or hot tubs for 2 days (showering is fine) and no sun burn over the injected areas for 2 weeks. All sports can be resumed immediately.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Following foam sclerotherapy I recommend that patients get back to their usual activities as soon as possible. The only limitations I recommend are compression for 2 days, no hot baths or hot tubs for 2 days (showering is fine) and no sun burn over the injected areas for 2 weeks. All sports can be resumed immediately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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