Very odd pain after excercising

Had evlt 2 wks ago. I started my normal workout routine 7 dys ago. Id been feeling great with Arnica Cream, then 2 days ago while exercising I got a bad pulling pain & big knot.My doc says go to primary doc? Why, when it's right on the vein? Im scared

Answers from doctors (6)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 18, 2019

EVLT essentially caused the superficial vein, or the greater saphenous vein, to close down and fill with thrombus. When a vein undergoes this in such a rapid fashion, it can cause a local inflammatory reaction around the vein called thrombophlebitis.

In your case, this is perfectly normal. It will take upwards of a few months for the vein to completely soften and decrease in caliber, just like a scar in your skin after you cut yourself.

If you experience pain with it, try non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as naproxen or ibuprofen, as needed. This will improve, I promise!

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

EVLT essentially caused the superficial vein, or the greater saphenous vein, to close down and fill with thrombus. When a vein undergoes this in such a rapid fashion, it can cause a local inflammatory reaction around the vein called thrombophlebitis.

In your case, this is perfectly normal. It will take upwards of a few months for the vein to completely soften and decrease in caliber, just like a scar in your skin after you cut yourself.

If you experience pain with it, try non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as naproxen or ibuprofen, as needed. This will improve, I promise!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 20, 2019

Your vein doctor should be able to evaluate your problem. I have had a patient report your very same symptoms while healing from a saphenous ablation. I always think it is best to check.

Wishing you the best of health,

Dr. Wright

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Your vein doctor should be able to evaluate your problem. I have had a patient report your very same symptoms while healing from a saphenous ablation. I always think it is best to check.

Wishing you the best of health,

Dr. Wright

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 10, 2019

It sounds like what you are feeling is the saphenous vein getting hard as a result of the closure procedure. Following closure, the treated vein begins to contract and over time it may get hard from a combination of the laser heating the vein and the blood in the vein becoming coagulated. This usually occurs one to two weeks after the procedure. Ibuprofen and heat to the area should help. Your treating physician should see you again.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It sounds like what you are feeling is the saphenous vein getting hard as a result of the closure procedure. Following closure, the treated vein begins to contract and over time it may get hard from a combination of the laser heating the vein and the blood in the vein becoming coagulated. This usually occurs one to two weeks after the procedure. Ibuprofen and heat to the area should help. Your treating physician should see you again.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 10, 2016

It takes time for the saphenous veins treated with ablation to resolve. You are very early. I recommend my patients resume exercise programs very gradually and then back off if increased discomfort. Everyone heals differently. I consider the post-op healing process to be 6 weeks to 3 months, so I am not sure why your EVLA doc is passing you off to your PCP.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It takes time for the saphenous veins treated with ablation to resolve. You are very early. I recommend my patients resume exercise programs very gradually and then back off if increased discomfort. Everyone heals differently. I consider the post-op healing process to be 6 weeks to 3 months, so I am not sure why your EVLA doc is passing you off to your PCP.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on Nov 10, 2016

The "pulling feeling" is from the ablation. It is absurd that the vein doctor told you to go see your primary care doctor. The vein "specialist" should do a venous Doppler ultrasound to assure you that everything is OK. Seek care from a certified vein specialist.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

The "pulling feeling" is from the ablation. It is absurd that the vein doctor told you to go see your primary care doctor. The vein "specialist" should do a venous Doppler ultrasound to assure you that everything is OK. Seek care from a certified vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 22, 2012

You should go back to the vein doctor and have him ultrasound it.


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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

You should go back to the vein doctor and have him ultrasound it.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


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