I had 3 scleratherapy treatments over about a 5 weeks time frame. I developed severe leg pain near the inner ankle after the third treatment.

I went back to the doctor and he did an ultrasound. He said the saphenous vein was completely blocked in the lower area. He said some of the small veins that were treated were connected, so that is why. I continue to have intermittent pain in the leg?

Answers from doctors (7)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 30, 2017

We typically wait about 4 weeks between treatments on the same leg to allow healing. What you describe is thrombophlebitis from inadvertent solution into the saphenous veins. A normal sclerotherapy treatment isn't enough solution to affect the larger veins like this. This will take time to heal. You should be in compression hose daily in the day time, apply low heat to the area as often as possible and gently massage with a cream such as Arnica or Dermaka. I often recommend my patients to take a 81 mg Aspirin daily also. You may bruise a little more. Talk with your primary care doctor before taking this.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We typically wait about 4 weeks between treatments on the same leg to allow healing. What you describe is thrombophlebitis from inadvertent solution into the saphenous veins. A normal sclerotherapy treatment isn't enough solution to affect the larger veins like this. This will take time to heal. You should be in compression hose daily in the day time, apply low heat to the area as often as possible and gently massage with a cream such as Arnica or Dermaka. I often recommend my patients to take a 81 mg Aspirin daily also. You may bruise a little more. Talk with your primary care doctor before taking this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Shouldn't be a long term problem but may take a few months to feel better. Con't follow up with treating MD or get a second opinion.
David A. Engleman M.D.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Shouldn't be a long term problem but may take a few months to feel better. Con't follow up with treating MD or get a second opinion.
David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jan 10, 2012

What you describe sounds like a superficial thrombophlebitis involing the greater saphenous vein. This should resolve with time and supportive care.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

What you describe sounds like a superficial thrombophlebitis involing the greater saphenous vein. This should resolve with time and supportive care.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Generally ache from the saphenous will resolve with time. As long as the deep veins in the leg are OK this should pass and not affect your leg in the future, and is not dangerous. Occasionally this can happen.
If symptoms worsen of move higher in your leg however, see your Doctor.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Generally ache from the saphenous will resolve with time. As long as the deep veins in the leg are OK this should pass and not affect your leg in the future, and is not dangerous. Occasionally this can happen.
If symptoms worsen of move higher in your leg however, see your Doctor.
Michael D. Ingegno, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

The "hard veins" after sclerotherapy are common and are the expected result of the treatment. Often when the treated veins are close to the skin surface can be palpated as indurated cord. It is common and expected to have some pain and even redness on the skin. The pain can be treated with anti-inflamatories (ibuprofen, Aleve, etc). Will feel better in 2-3 days. The induration will probably persist for 2-4 weeks. It represents a successful treatment of the abnormal vein.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The "hard veins" after sclerotherapy are common and are the expected result of the treatment. Often when the treated veins are close to the skin surface can be palpated as indurated cord. It is common and expected to have some pain and even redness on the skin. The pain can be treated with anti-inflamatories (ibuprofen, Aleve, etc). Will feel better in 2-3 days. The induration will probably persist for 2-4 weeks. It represents a successful treatment of the abnormal vein.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

That sounds correct. The smaller veins clotted due to the injected material
and connected (spread) the clot to the saphenous vein. Just watch the leg
for progression up the calf to the knee or above.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

That sounds correct. The smaller veins clotted due to the injected material
and connected (spread) the clot to the saphenous vein. Just watch the leg
for progression up the calf to the knee or above.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 22, 2011

This can happen after sclerotherapy. Would treat it symptomatically with anti-inflammatory agents and warm compresses. Sounds like you developed superficial thrombophlebitis. This should improve over several weeks.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This can happen after sclerotherapy. Would treat it symptomatically with anti-inflammatory agents and warm compresses. Sounds like you developed superficial thrombophlebitis. This should improve over several weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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