I have severe pain in my legs. Is Radiofrequency Occlusion right for me?

Several years ago I had laser treatment on my left leg. Three years ago I had RFO on the same leg. I still get searing pain in left inside thigh at least once a week from just above knee to just below groin. I know it's the damaged vein. What do you think?

Answers from doctors (5)


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Jul 03, 2012

This is unusual and I suggest an evaluation with a vein specialist.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

This is unusual and I suggest an evaluation with a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

More likely this is from an irritated saphenous nerve. A nerve block of the area might be effective. Please see your MD.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

More likely this is from an irritated saphenous nerve. A nerve block of the area might be effective. Please see your MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on May 30, 2012

Re-evaluation with ultrasound duplex will make things more clear. Consult with your vein treatment physician.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Re-evaluation with ultrasound duplex will make things more clear. Consult with your vein treatment physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 10, 2012

Depending on where the laser/RFO treatments were performed, it could indicate a few things. Assuming your treatments were performed in those areas, I suspect that the treated vein has possibly reopened. Most people who have some form of ablation treatment of their vein need additional ultrasound guided injections to areas around the treated vein in order to close down any side branches feeding into the vein that did not close with the initial treatment. These branches have been known to actually re-canalize the treated vein resulting in the vein never actually closing down and dying. The discomfort that you are feeling could originate from this. The solution for now is to just have the leg re-evaluated from your treating physician.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Depending on where the laser/RFO treatments were performed, it could indicate a few things. Assuming your treatments were performed in those areas, I suspect that the treated vein has possibly reopened. Most people who have some form of ablation treatment of their vein need additional ultrasound guided injections to areas around the treated vein in order to close down any side branches feeding into the vein that did not close with the initial treatment. These branches have been known to actually re-canalize the treated vein resulting in the vein never actually closing down and dying. The discomfort that you are feeling could originate from this. The solution for now is to just have the leg re-evaluated from your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 18, 2012

The pain certainly appears to be in the distribution of the treated greater saphenous vein. You need an evaluation. I would start with a venous ultrasound to look at the area. There are other causes of this kind of pain besides prior RF treatment. I have seen this before due to nerve problems from back issues or even orthopedic problems. You should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon who can then decide the appropriate tests to obtain.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The pain certainly appears to be in the distribution of the treated greater saphenous vein. You need an evaluation. I would start with a venous ultrasound to look at the area. There are other causes of this kind of pain besides prior RF treatment. I have seen this before due to nerve problems from back issues or even orthopedic problems. You should be evaluated by a vascular surgeon who can then decide the appropriate tests to obtain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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