I had the greater and lesser saphenous veins treated in my right leg about 3 weeks ago. Since the procedure, I have had dull pain in my heel. At first I thought it was the way I was walking after the surgery, but the problem has persisted. Pain is the same standing or sitting. Is this normal? What should I do?
Heel pain or numbness following a small saphenous closure procedure can be related to irritation of the sural nerve, which is very close to the small saphenous vein and can be heated during the closure due to heat transfer from the treated vein. This oftentimes will improve over several months. Try ibuprofen and follow up with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
As you probably know, there are many nerves that course through the leg and down into the foot. Many bundle together and continue into the foot and provide us with tactile sense in our feet. Perhaps a good example of this would be when one is walking barefoot and you are able to feel distinctly every rock or pebble you walk over. In all events, there are certain nerves which are susceptible to trauma during the endovenous ablation procedure (both the great saphenous vein and lesser saphenous vein). In your particular case, I am somewhat suspicious if perhaps the sural nerve has been traumatized or damaged by your recent procedure. Your best course of action, in my opinion, would be to return to the vascular surgeon who performed the LSV closure and see what he/she feels might be the cause of your discomfort. Your next stop after that would naturally be a neurologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A sensory nerve next to the lesser saphenous vein goes to the heel area. This nerve can be affected during an endovenous ablation. When such is the case, recovery can take up to 6 months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are several possible reasons for heel discomfort after endogenous ablation. One, there may be residual reflux in tributaries in the ankle region that may be perceived as heel pain. Two, it is possible there may have been injury to one of the cutaneous nerves that supplies sensation to that region. If so, this is likely to be self-limited; meaning, it should resolve without specific therapy but may take weeks to months. Three, as you suggest, you may have a muscle strain due to a change in gait after the procedure, although this seems least likely. I recommend you tell your vein doctor about your symptoms and, if necessary, have him or her examine you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
When experiencing adverse reactions following a procedure like endovenous laser treatment, it is best to follow with your treating MD. He/she can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the source behind your heel pain and, if necessary, prescribe medication or other forms of treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
See your doctor. It is difficult to guess what that could be without examining it myself.
Published on Jul 11, 2012