Is it normal for my foot and leg to cramp after endovenous laser treatment?

Six weeks ago I had an endovenous laser treatment on the saphenous vein in my left leg. While I've been walking OK, I tend to get cramps/hot sensation in my foot and leg, especially at night. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (7)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 04, 2013

Sometimes those feelings are caused by nerve irritation. Saphenous veins have nerves running along them and they can be irritated and/or damaged during the endovenous laser ablation procedure. If this is the case, it will take time for the nerves to return to normal and for the sensations you described to resolve. Does your foot swell at night? Is the lower leg red and puffy? It wouldn't be a bad idea to have another follow up appointment with your physician to make sure there is nothing else to treat on that leg as well.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Sometimes those feelings are caused by nerve irritation. Saphenous veins have nerves running along them and they can be irritated and/or damaged during the endovenous laser ablation procedure. If this is the case, it will take time for the nerves to return to normal and for the sensations you described to resolve. Does your foot swell at night? Is the lower leg red and puffy? It wouldn't be a bad idea to have another follow up appointment with your physician to make sure there is nothing else to treat on that leg as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jun 04, 2013

Cramps and a warm/hot sensation are not typically normal following endovenous laser ablation. You need to be evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Cramps and a warm/hot sensation are not typically normal following endovenous laser ablation. You need to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 04, 2013

The symptoms you are experiencing may be a part of the healing process or from compression therapy. Not knowing further details (like swelling, which saphenous vein, etc) makes it difficult to provide an accurate assessment. See your treating physician for a thorough exam.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

The symptoms you are experiencing may be a part of the healing process or from compression therapy. Not knowing further details (like swelling, which saphenous vein, etc) makes it difficult to provide an accurate assessment. See your treating physician for a thorough exam.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 04, 2013

Not usually. I suggest you contact your treating physician and request a follow-up visit.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Not usually. I suggest you contact your treating physician and request a follow-up visit.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jun 04, 2013

It's hard to say why you are having cramps. Are you drinking enough water? If you get dehydrated, it can cause cramping. I would advise you to follow up with your physician.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

It's hard to say why you are having cramps. Are you drinking enough water? If you get dehydrated, it can cause cramping. I would advise you to follow up with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 03, 2013

The saphenous nerve runs in very close proximity to the saphenous vein and, during endovenous laser ablation, the heat from treating the vein can be transferred to portions of the saphenous nerve. This could result in nerve-related symptoms. This sounds like what you are describing. Although this is not a normal outcome of the procedure, it does happen. When it occurs, it can take several months to a year for the symptoms to fully resolve. Follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The saphenous nerve runs in very close proximity to the saphenous vein and, during endovenous laser ablation, the heat from treating the vein can be transferred to portions of the saphenous nerve. This could result in nerve-related symptoms. This sounds like what you are describing. Although this is not a normal outcome of the procedure, it does happen. When it occurs, it can take several months to a year for the symptoms to fully resolve. Follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jun 03, 2013

Usually, such occurrences do not happen after taking compression hose off. Check with your MD. It could be that the stockings are compressing the leg too much, which could be why your have pain and/or a hot sensation after they are no longer on.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Usually, such occurrences do not happen after taking compression hose off. Check with your MD. It could be that the stockings are compressing the leg too much, which could be why your have pain and/or a hot sensation after they are no longer on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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