I still have pain 7 months after an endovenous laser ablation, is this normal?

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?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jun 24, 2013

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.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

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


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 19, 2013

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.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

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


Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 19, 2013

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.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

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


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 18, 2013

It's unusual for pain to last 7 months after an endovenous laser ablation. You should follow up with your physician.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

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


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jun 18, 2013

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.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

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


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 18, 2013

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.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

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


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jun 18, 2013

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.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

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


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 18, 2013

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.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

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


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 18, 2013

You may have superficial thrombophlebitis or clotted varicose veins. Go back to your doctor and seek an evaluation.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You may have superficial thrombophlebitis or clotted varicose veins. Go back to your doctor and seek an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jun 18, 2013

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.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

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


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