Is it normal for my legs to hurt after sclerotherapy?

I went to get a laser treatment, but the doctor said it was too painful and that I should have sclerotherapy instead. Two days after the procedure, my legs began hurting everywhere, especially in my ankles. It has been a week and my legs still hurt. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (14)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Endovenous laser ablation would certainly be very painful, indeed - if local anesthetic was not used; when local anesthesia is used, it is nearly painless. Most people experience varying degrees if discomfort after
sclerotherapy will usually respond to OTC Advil or Tylenol. Notify your physician if you are experiencing more than mild discomfort.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Endovenous laser ablation would certainly be very painful, indeed - if local anesthetic was not used; when local anesthesia is used, it is nearly painless. Most people experience varying degrees if discomfort after
sclerotherapy will usually respond to OTC Advil or Tylenol. Notify your physician if you are experiencing more than mild discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

There can occasionally be some achiness and swelling after sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is still the gold standard of treatment for spider veins. If your symptoms persist you should go back and see the doctor.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There can occasionally be some achiness and swelling after sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy is still the gold standard of treatment for spider veins. If your symptoms persist you should go back and see the doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Not usual, see your doctor.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Not usual, see your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

No, it is not typical for your legs to hurt after sclerotherapy. You are having an atypical symptom and should go see your doctor for reassessment.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

No, it is not typical for your legs to hurt after sclerotherapy. You are having an atypical symptom and should go see your doctor for reassessment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It would be highly unusual for there to be the level of discomfort you are experiencing. We do a combination of laser and sclerotherapy at most treatments (if the candidates are suitable). Our laser doesn't produce that level of discomfort nor do the sclerotherapy treatments. I would see your treating physician and recommend an ultrasound examination. Failing that, I would seek a second opinion from an experienced board certified surgeon who is experienced in these treatments.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It would be highly unusual for there to be the level of discomfort you are experiencing. We do a combination of laser and sclerotherapy at most treatments (if the candidates are suitable). Our laser doesn't produce that level of discomfort nor do the sclerotherapy treatments. I would see your treating physician and recommend an ultrasound examination. Failing that, I would seek a second opinion from an experienced board certified surgeon who is experienced in these treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, it is expected. However, if there is too much pain, swelling or redness, you need to contact our doctor.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, it is expected. However, if there is too much pain, swelling or redness, you need to contact our doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

No, that is not usual for sclerotherapy. You should follow up with your MD to make sure there is no complication.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

No, that is not usual for sclerotherapy. You should follow up with your MD to make sure there is no complication.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You seem to be having more discomfort than I would expect. Have you called your doctor? An ultrasound may be helpful to rule out clotting in your deeper veins. I would give your doctor a call if you haven't already.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

You seem to be having more discomfort than I would expect. Have you called your doctor? An ultrasound may be helpful to rule out clotting in your deeper veins. I would give your doctor a call if you haven't already.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

I would discuss these symptoms with the treating physician.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

I would discuss these symptoms with the treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It is not unusual for the legs to hurt after sclerotherapy. Wearing compression stockings, walking exercises and the use of OTC anti-inflammatory (i.e. ibuprofen or naproxen) will help. There is an inflammatory reaction in the veins and that explains the symptoms. It will subside after few days.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It is not unusual for the legs to hurt after sclerotherapy. Wearing compression stockings, walking exercises and the use of OTC anti-inflammatory (i.e. ibuprofen or naproxen) will help. There is an inflammatory reaction in the veins and that explains the symptoms. It will subside after few days.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 29, 2012

It is normal for your legs to hurt after any procedure, but the pain you are having could very well be from untreated sources. The sclerotherapy is only between 70-80% effective and you might very well need sclerotherapy to close down all those veins. You should be having a follow-up visit with your doctor within 2 weeks of your procedure for an evaluation.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It is normal for your legs to hurt after any procedure, but the pain you are having could very well be from untreated sources. The sclerotherapy is only between 70-80% effective and you might very well need sclerotherapy to close down all those veins. You should be having a follow-up visit with your doctor within 2 weeks of your procedure for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Treatment Center

Published on May 25, 2012

The treatment of choice for spider veins is sclerotherapy. Although laser is approved for treatment of spider veins, sclerotherapy is the standard. Common side effects from sclerotherapy include bruising, redness at injection site, and mild tenderness on areas with trapped blood in the veins. It is recommended for you to get an evaluation by your provider to see what is going on.

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Answered by The Vein Treatment Center

The treatment of choice for spider veins is sclerotherapy. Although laser is approved for treatment of spider veins, sclerotherapy is the standard. Common side effects from sclerotherapy include bruising, redness at injection site, and mild tenderness on areas with trapped blood in the veins. It is recommended for you to get an evaluation by your provider to see what is going on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 23, 2012

Normally after a sclerotherapy treatment, patients can have a generalized aching to their legs for about 24 hrs. This aching is typically very tolerable and can be minimized by taking something like Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you find that your legs are hurting a week after the treatment, it generally means that something else is wrong. You could have anything from a vein that was closed incorrectly to having a blood clot. I would have a trained vein treatment physician look into your leg.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Normally after a sclerotherapy treatment, patients can have a generalized aching to their legs for about 24 hrs. This aching is typically very tolerable and can be minimized by taking something like Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you find that your legs are hurting a week after the treatment, it generally means that something else is wrong. You could have anything from a vein that was closed incorrectly to having a blood clot. I would have a trained vein treatment physician look into your leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 23, 2012

It is not normal for your legs to hurt this long after sclerotherapy. Usually sclerotherapy has no post procedure discomfort and most people return to all normal activities very quickly. I would recommend following up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is not normal for your legs to hurt this long after sclerotherapy. Usually sclerotherapy has no post procedure discomfort and most people return to all normal activities very quickly. I would recommend following up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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