You have lymphatic swelling and I recommend taking a high quality bioflavonoid formula like Varicosamin and also to wear 30-40 mmHg compression stockings. Good luck, as it is a very difficult problem to resolve. The stockings and bioflavonoids will prevent it from getting worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would need to know when your foot swelling began to answer this question specifically. In general, foot swelling after a vein ablation is unusual as a direct consequence. If the foot was swelling prior to the ablation, and this swelling involved the toes, this is more consistent with lymphedema. Venous insufficiency may cause leg swelling but rarely extends beyond the ankle. Lymphedema may occur related to vein disease and is secondary to severe skin changes from years of untreated venous insufficiency and the deep tissue scarring, called lipodermatosclerosis, caused by chronic venous hypertension.

Back to your foot now. If the foot swelling occurred remotely from the ablation (years later) and extends into the toes and the rest of the leg is OK, it probably has nothing to do with your procedure. If the foot swelling occurred shortly after your ablation, it could be secondary to the scar tissue that developed around the closed vein, especially if the vein was accessed down close to the ankle. The mainstay of lymphedema treatment is compression and elevation. Exercise in a pool will also help reduce the edema.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is most likely not from the ablation, you probably have other venous insufficiency and varicose veins that could be causing the swelling. Most of the time, simply having one ablation will not fix all of the problems. Multiple ablations and sclerotherapy are usually required to have a full treatment. Find a physician who is accredited by the American College of Phlebology to have an ultrasound and treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If your leg swelling happened very quickly (within hours), you should have an ultrasound test immediately to rule out deep vein thrombosis. If the
swelling happened gradually and resolves each morning only to recur later each day, an ultrasound to evaluate the superficial veins is appropriate. You may have a new vein problem, or possibly a recurrence of your old vein problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This sounds unrelated to your procedure but you should be evaluated by your primary care doctor, have an ultrasound examination of the deep and superficial veins. You may want to try a measured and fitted compression hose also.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is not a normal consequence of ablation, in fact, may be a completely different issue altogether. I would follow up with your practitioner to discuss.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Many reasons can account for this problem. The ablated vein might have re-canalized (re-open), you might have new abnormal veins with reflux, you could have developed some other medical problems including high blood pressure or heart disease, or you might be taking medications that can have leg swelling as side effect. You need a good evaluation not just by a Vein Specialist but also a Cardiologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's not normal, and there could be recanalization of tributary, perforator, and/or untreated distal part of saphenous vein that are causing the problem. Find a surgeon who treats entire length of the saphenous vein
and also does his own ultrasound, and get several different opinions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your foot swelling may have nothing to do with the ablation 4 years earlier. It would be most unusual for swelling that occurs 4 years after a procedure to be related to that original procedure. You should have a venous ultrasound to look for a cause of the swelling as an initial evaluation. Further testing may be required. In the interim, you should wear knee-length support hose and elevate your legs as much as possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's not normal. You have to be seen by your doctor. And need full ultrasound. Wear your compression stocking as your doctor advise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012