The leg that was treated with endovenous laser ablation falls asleep soon after sitting down, is this normal?

I am two weeks out from endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) and have had several complications that my physician has seen me for. A blood clot was ruled out but now the leg that had the procedure falls asleep very soon after sitting down. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (12)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 15, 2013

Having your leg feel like it is falling asleep when sitting down can happen whether you had the endovenous laser ablation procedure or not. It just happened after the EVLA because your body is trying to find or re-establish a new circulatory pattern now that you have closed certain pathways. Being that you are only two weeks out, you can expect to experience different sensations in your leg at least until your leg has had a chance to heal. So if your leg is trying to circulate back up towards your heart via the posterior aspect of your leg, sitting down will hamper this return. The result can be the "sleeping" sensation, very much like when you lay on your arm for an extended period and it falls asleep.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Having your leg feel like it is falling asleep when sitting down can happen whether you had the endovenous laser ablation procedure or not. It just happened after the EVLA because your body is trying to find or re-establish a new circulatory pattern now that you have closed certain pathways. Being that you are only two weeks out, you can expect to experience different sensations in your leg at least until your leg has had a chance to heal. So if your leg is trying to circulate back up towards your heart via the posterior aspect of your leg, sitting down will hamper this return. The result can be the "sleeping" sensation, very much like when you lay on your arm for an extended period and it falls asleep.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 12, 2013

It is possible that you have nerve involvement (possibly Femoral). Either way, you should have your primary care doctor refer you to an experienced vascular surgeon for assessment. This is not a normal part of the healing process post-EVLA of the saphenous vein.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It is possible that you have nerve involvement (possibly Femoral). Either way, you should have your primary care doctor refer you to an experienced vascular surgeon for assessment. This is not a normal part of the healing process post-EVLA of the saphenous vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

I would not say that is not normal, but I am not sure what the cause is. Your issue could be due to many things. Do you have any back pain too, or a history of disc disease in your back? I would talk to your doctor about it.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

I would not say that is not normal, but I am not sure what the cause is. Your issue could be due to many things. Do you have any back pain too, or a history of disc disease in your back? I would talk to your doctor about it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


North Shore Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

This should resolve with time, especially if you still have some leg swelling. I would give it up to 6-8 weeks to resolve, assuming this is your only complaint. Still, you should always stay in close contact with your treating physician and follow up.

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Answered by North Shore Vein Center

This should resolve with time, especially if you still have some leg swelling. I would give it up to 6-8 weeks to resolve, assuming this is your only complaint. Still, you should always stay in close contact with your treating physician and follow up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 10, 2013

You may have some degree of nerve compression from leg flexion and residual swelling. Continue to wear compression stockings for another 2 weeks and if not improving, see a neurologist for evaluation.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You may have some degree of nerve compression from leg flexion and residual swelling. Continue to wear compression stockings for another 2 weeks and if not improving, see a neurologist for evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 10, 2013

Hard to say. It is possible that this may be a complication; it is not uncommon for the saphenous nerve to be injured during EVLA. It could also be that the compression stocking is too tight. I would follow up with your doctor and explain your symptoms.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Hard to say. It is possible that this may be a complication; it is not uncommon for the saphenous nerve to be injured during EVLA. It could also be that the compression stocking is too tight. I would follow up with your doctor and explain your symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 10, 2013

No, it is not normal for your leg to fall asleep post-endovenous laser ablation.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

No, it is not normal for your leg to fall asleep post-endovenous laser ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 10, 2013

This problem needs to be evaluated. Speak with the doctor who treated you, or seek a second opinion.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

This problem needs to be evaluated. Speak with the doctor who treated you, or seek a second opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 10, 2013

No, it's not normal for your EVLA-treated leg to fall asleep shortly after sitting down. I have not heard or read of anyone having this issue so I am not able to answer your question. Some patients have constant numbness or tingling if a nerve was irritated during the procedure.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No, it's not normal for your EVLA-treated leg to fall asleep shortly after sitting down. I have not heard or read of anyone having this issue so I am not able to answer your question. Some patients have constant numbness or tingling if a nerve was irritated during the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 10, 2013

Have you had an ultrasound to make sure the vein is completely closed off? It is important to have those follow up appointments. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to months before all is well after an endovenous laser ablation procedure, but having the leg fall asleep that frequently is a little odd. I would recommend you follow up with the treating physician.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Have you had an ultrasound to make sure the vein is completely closed off? It is important to have those follow up appointments. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to months before all is well after an endovenous laser ablation procedure, but having the leg fall asleep that frequently is a little odd. I would recommend you follow up with the treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Apr 10, 2013

Although you are describing it as "falling asleep," it is very possible that what you are experiencing is a type of neuropathy called parasthesia. It occurs occasionally with endovenous laser ablation and will usually abate. However, this may take some time - in certain cases up to 9 months.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Although you are describing it as "falling asleep," it is very possible that what you are experiencing is a type of neuropathy called parasthesia. It occurs occasionally with endovenous laser ablation and will usually abate. However, this may take some time - in certain cases up to 9 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 10, 2013

It is difficult to answer this question without you being more specific. By falling asleep, does this mean numbness in the leg? If so, is it the entire leg or just certain areas? Numbness could be due to nerve irritation. Typical areas of numbness post-endovenous laser ablation include the inner side of the calf to the inner side of the foot or the bottom of the heel and outer side of the foot. These symptoms usually improve over several months. If your symptoms are more than this, then you should follow up with your physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is difficult to answer this question without you being more specific. By falling asleep, does this mean numbness in the leg? If so, is it the entire leg or just certain areas? Numbness could be due to nerve irritation. Typical areas of numbness post-endovenous laser ablation include the inner side of the calf to the inner side of the foot or the bottom of the heel and outer side of the foot. These symptoms usually improve over several months. If your symptoms are more than this, then you should follow up with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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