Is it normal to have pain and other symptoms when returning to work three weeks after endovenous laser treatment?

I had endovenous laser treatment 3 weeks ago. On my first day back to work ( standing job), the pain set in. Is it normal to experience sore, shooting pain, tightness, stinging, and swelling this long after treatment? My skin also feels sensitive, like it's burnt. Did I return to work too soon?

Answers from doctors (11)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Dec 11, 2013

Normally you don't really need to take time off work after an ablation. With the laser ablation, you will be sore weeks after the procedure and will feel tightness along the treated vein. You will also have swelling. For your next ablation, you might want to try an office that does radiofrequency ablations. Usually, people need multiple procedures to treat all the veins that have reflux. It is good to wear a compression stocking for a week after the procedure, usually 20-30mmHg is typical. It is also important that you remain semi-active as well.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Normally you don't really need to take time off work after an ablation. With the laser ablation, you will be sore weeks after the procedure and will feel tightness along the treated vein. You will also have swelling. For your next ablation, you might want to try an office that does radiofrequency ablations. Usually, people need multiple procedures to treat all the veins that have reflux. It is good to wear a compression stocking for a week after the procedure, usually 20-30mmHg is typical. It is also important that you remain semi-active as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 20, 2013

It is fine to return to work. Try wearing compression stockings for relief. Post-procedure pain can occur depending on the details, which you do not fully provide.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

It is fine to return to work. Try wearing compression stockings for relief. Post-procedure pain can occur depending on the details, which you do not fully provide.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Nov 14, 2013

Yes, the vein that has been closed is inflamed and should resolve over the coming weeks. This can be part of the normal healing process.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Yes, the vein that has been closed is inflamed and should resolve over the coming weeks. This can be part of the normal healing process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 12, 2013

My patients return to work within 2 days wearing the stocking, thigh-length if the long saphenous is treated. I have my patients on ibuprofen 3x day for 8 days and then some Tylenol between if needed (mostly not). They massage the areas treated with Arnica or Dermaka cream, which speeds healing.

You should return to your surgeon for ultrasound with the symptoms seen. Occasionally, about 2 weeks out, there may be a slight increase in discomfort when the deeper tissue swelling/inflammation resolves and the small nerves are "waking up". Most people take a few Tylenol and continue with their normal activities.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

My patients return to work within 2 days wearing the stocking, thigh-length if the long saphenous is treated. I have my patients on ibuprofen 3x day for 8 days and then some Tylenol between if needed (mostly not). They massage the areas treated with Arnica or Dermaka cream, which speeds healing.

You should return to your surgeon for ultrasound with the symptoms seen. Occasionally, about 2 weeks out, there may be a slight increase in discomfort when the deeper tissue swelling/inflammation resolves and the small nerves are "waking up". Most people take a few Tylenol and continue with their normal activities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 12, 2013

Tightness and soreness is normal after endovenous laser treatment because the vein treated is shrinking and pulling on the tissues around it.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Tightness and soreness is normal after endovenous laser treatment because the vein treated is shrinking and pulling on the tissues around it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Nov 12, 2013

You can have some soreness in the legs depending on what was treated. You should be scheduled to go back to see the doc who did your procedure (usually 4 weeks after treatment). This is a typical protocol and opportunity to take care of any potential sources of discomfort patients might be experiencing. You have to remember that when you have a laser procedure or any vein treatment procedure, you are closing vessels down. In so doing, you are essentially changing how your leg circulates. How each leg changes, no one can predict. This is why proper vein treatment requires routine followup, especially early on in the treatment. That said, if your doc only did a laser treatment and nothing else, then you really only got a partial treatment. More treatments are in order to make all of your venous disease is addressed.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

You can have some soreness in the legs depending on what was treated. You should be scheduled to go back to see the doc who did your procedure (usually 4 weeks after treatment). This is a typical protocol and opportunity to take care of any potential sources of discomfort patients might be experiencing. You have to remember that when you have a laser procedure or any vein treatment procedure, you are closing vessels down. In so doing, you are essentially changing how your leg circulates. How each leg changes, no one can predict. This is why proper vein treatment requires routine followup, especially early on in the treatment. That said, if your doc only did a laser treatment and nothing else, then you really only got a partial treatment. More treatments are in order to make all of your venous disease is addressed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 11, 2013

If you were not moving around and walking a lot during your three-week break from work, it's not too uncommon for pain to set it. Contact your treating physician and request an evaluation.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

If you were not moving around and walking a lot during your three-week break from work, it's not too uncommon for pain to set it. Contact your treating physician and request an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

Why is the first day of work after 3 weeks? Were you resting for three weeks? If you have not been moving around and only resting, that's most likely the source of your pain. Wear compression stockings and walk a lot. The pain with subside.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Why is the first day of work after 3 weeks? Were you resting for three weeks? If you have not been moving around and only resting, that's most likely the source of your pain. Wear compression stockings and walk a lot. The pain with subside.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Nov 11, 2013

The symptoms might be related, but you need to do stretching exercises and take anti-inflammatory agents. Also, walk as much as you can and wear compression stockings. Most people go back to work right away.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

The symptoms might be related, but you need to do stretching exercises and take anti-inflammatory agents. Also, walk as much as you can and wear compression stockings. Most people go back to work right away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

It is completely normal to have tightness and soreness after an endovenous laser treatment. Shooting, stinging, swelling, and very sensitive skin are more unusual. I would check with your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is completely normal to have tightness and soreness after an endovenous laser treatment. Shooting, stinging, swelling, and very sensitive skin are more unusual. I would check with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

People heal at different rates. Some have almost no discomfort and some may take as long as 6 weeks. Usually, at the 3-week point, the vein is in the contracting and dissolving process and what you are feeling is this as you stretch your leg and are on your feet for longer periods of time. Wet heat to the treatment area and ibuprofen will help.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

People heal at different rates. Some have almost no discomfort and some may take as long as 6 weeks. Usually, at the 3-week point, the vein is in the contracting and dissolving process and what you are feeling is this as you stretch your leg and are on your feet for longer periods of time. Wet heat to the treatment area and ibuprofen will help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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