Ten days after microphlebectomy I still have numbness and tingling on the top and medial aspect of my right foot and ankle. What is this from and will it resolve?
Some numbness can be part of the normal healing process. After the phlebectomy there is some edema in the soft tissue and that can put pressure of the skin nerves. This leads to numbness and sometime tingling. I usually do not treat the bulging veins below the ankle bones or on the top of the foot because if there is numbness it is more bothersome each time you put on a sock or a shoe. Your symptoms will most likely resolve with time - but I have my patients wear compression hose for 14 days after the procedure and take Motrin to decrease the inflammation. If these issues persist see your physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The feeling you are expriencing is called neuropathy or parasthesia. It is a condition wherein the nerves are irritated when the veins are surgically removed. This condition usually fully resolves itself. However, it can take several months for the nerves to "calm down" and for the area(s) in question to feel normal and not numb or hypersensitive.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A small cutaneous nerve was probably traumatized during the phlebectomy. Sensation often returns after a month or two, but sometimes the numbness is permanent.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not usually, but it will probably improve over 6 months. A small sensory nerve was likely disturbed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many tiny nerves in the foot and ankle and occasionally they can also be attached to the varicose veins due to inflammation. This can cause transient numbness and tingling. I would recommend you massage over the areas several times per day with little light pressure. This may "desensitize" the nerve and reduce discomfort faster. You are still very early post treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is most likely from irritation of the nerves in the area of the microphlebectomies. If the nerves have not been cut, then this should improve over several months. There is also a chance that this may not improve, if the microscopic nerves have been cut. The numbness can also be due to the local anesthesia used. Give it time and see if things improve. You should follow up with your physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are nerves in those areas. It is normal to have some of the inflammatory process of the vein healing affecting those nerves. It should resolve within a week. If not, it might need some investigation by your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012