I had a bilateral endovenous laser ablation almost 7 months ago and still have some numbness in one of the distal sites. More worrisome are the tender spots on the inside of my legs. It is quite tender to touch, especially if I apply light pressure. Is this normal?
What you describe can be normal after thermal ablation, but it would be good to check back with the treating doctor to make sure everything is healing as planned.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
While it is not normal for pain and numbness to last 7 months after an endovenous laser ablation, it is a known side effect. Numbness may occur due to minor sensory nerve damage. This is reversible and will resolve over time. Tender spots may be a sign that blood is trapped in an open segment. If this is the case, relief can be found by draining the blood. I recommend you get an ultrasound so that the matter can be further evaluated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Although this is not a "normal" course for 7 months post-endovenous closure, I have seen complaints of numbness below the knee in the medial distal half of the calf 6-9 months after radiofrequency (closure fast) ablation if the entry site is in the distal half of the calf. If what you are referring to is pain and tenderness along the course of the vein in the thigh regions on the inside surface, this may be related to residual scar tissue around the closed vein and still may resolve over time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It's unusual for pain to last 7 months after an endovenous laser ablation. You should follow up with your physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depending on the size of the treated veins and how close they are to the surface of your skin, discomfort can be normal this long after the procedure. I do recommend, however, that you follow up with your treating physician to be sure everything is OK.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is very possible that there are still veins left to be treated in your legs. Additionally, you could have some superficial clot in areas that still need to be treated. That may explain the 'tender to touch'. Have you had a follow-up ultrasound on those legs since the treatment? If not, that is always recommended. The imaging test can reveal the cause of your numbness and determine whether further treatment is needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Having pain 7 months after the ablation is too long. You should certainly have this rechecked. The numbness might be secondary to nerve damage. Perhaps consider a second opinion.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not the norm to have pain 7 months after endovenous laser ablation. However, over the years, I have seen this happen very infrequently. This occurs usually in a thin person whose saphenous vein is located close to the skin. The painful "lumps" are due to trapped blood secondary to the laser or microphlebectomies. If they still hurt you then they should be evacuated with a needle, or a small puncture can be made to the area to help release the pressure. The numbness is due to nerve irritation and nothing can be done for that other than time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You may have superficial thrombophlebitis or clotted varicose veins. Go back to your doctor and seek an evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should not have numbness or pain 7 months after an endovenous laser ablation. Contact the physician who treated you and request a follow-up visit that consists of a thorough evaluation and ultrasound. If you have lost trust in the treating physician, you may want to seek a second opinion from an interventional radiologist and neurologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012