I had my greater saphenous and the vein around my calf closed a couple of years ago. Now, I get cramping that lasts for weeks after exercise. I've tried massaging the area, staying hydrated, and lowering my sodium intake but that doesn't seem to be working. I'm really frustrated and don't know what to do. Do you have any suggestions?
Did you have anything else treated when the doc treated your great and small saphenous veins? The mistake a lot of docs make when treating veins is that they only treat part of it. In fact, your saphenous veins only make up a very small portion of your total vein structure. Therefore, treating only those veins and leaving all of the other abnormal veins does not fix a person's vein problems. This is probably why you are still cramping. You probably still have a lot of abnormal veins left in your legs that are causing your cramps. If you would like to see your cramping improve, please give us a call so that we can educate you on what can be done to fix your legs.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You probably have more veins that need to be treated. Rarely does one ablation take care of all the problems and usually when the greater saphenous is refluxing, then there are other varicose veins as well, even if you can't see them. I would go and have another ultrasound from a clinic that has physicians accredited by the American College of Phlebology.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should have another ultrasound to see if the vein has reopened. This might explain why your symptoms have worsened.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is a simple answer: An ultrasound examination by a qualified expert will tell you whether you have a vein problem causing your cramps.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would have your treating surgeon take a look at you with ultrasound to ensure everything has healed normally and that the healthy veins are flowing well. It may be coincidental that you are getting this cramping and not related to your procedure, especially so long after. Hydration, potassium in the form of bananas or OJ, etc may also help. In some people it is effective to use post-exercise, low-grade compression stockings. Some brands offer hose that look regular sport socks but are knee-high and 15-20 mmHg compression. This often resolves cramping issues.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Exercise related cramping is a symptom of arterial disease, not venous. See your doctor for an examination.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Please go to your doctor and have him check your arteries and veins with duplex ultrasound to rule out DVT, PAD, PVD, SVT. You also need full blood work up for CBC, CMP, Ca, K, Mg
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Try taking more potassium, which is in orange juice, bananas and avocados.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It seems unlikely that your symptoms are due to a venous closure done years ago. You need a full evaluation for your leg symptoms including new venous duplex exam to look at the superficial, deep and perforator systems. You may also need a neurologic and orthopedic evaluation. There are many conditions that can cause your symptoms that are not related to veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
First, make sure no other venous issues exist. See your treating vein specialist (or select another) to rule this out, along with any potential non-venous issues like neuropathy, restless leg syndrome, etc.
Published on Jul 11, 2012