What could be causing my symptoms?

My left leg started with this numb feeling, now it is also throbbing in pain. It gets so tight and it feels like it's on fire, but it's cool to the touch. I cant sleep anymore because I awake in such severe pain. I also noticed that the top of my right foot hurts. What could be causing this?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 09, 2018

You should consult with your primary care doctor and perhaps have an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot and possibly a neurological evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should consult with your primary care doctor and perhaps have an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot and possibly a neurological evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 15, 2014

It could be varicose veins, but it sounds more like neuropathy, where the peripheral nerves are possibly damaged or diseased and will cause those symptoms. However, there are times where varicose veins can cause similar symptoms. An ultrasound of your legs would be a great way to start to see if there is reflux in your saphenous veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It could be varicose veins, but it sounds more like neuropathy, where the peripheral nerves are possibly damaged or diseased and will cause those symptoms. However, there are times where varicose veins can cause similar symptoms. An ultrasound of your legs would be a great way to start to see if there is reflux in your saphenous veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Mar 09, 2014

Most likely a nerve was irritated by the procedure, either form the laser or anesthesia. This will all resolve over time. Ibuprofen may help in the interim.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Most likely a nerve was irritated by the procedure, either form the laser or anesthesia. This will all resolve over time. Ibuprofen may help in the interim.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Did you have an EVLT or Radiofrequency ablation and, if so, how recently? First and most important, you should have an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot in the deep veins. If there is no DVT and your recently had an RFA/EVLT procedure done, it is possible that a nerve was irritated during the procedure. This does happen on occasion/rarely, especially since nerves run in close proximity to the saphenous vein. Typically. symptoms go away in the next 6 months to 1 year, improving over time. Your provider can give you medications to help the pain. In any event, I definitely think that you should see the provider that did your procedure to be re-evaluated by ultrasound. It is NOT normal to have that much pain after any venous procedure.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Did you have an EVLT or Radiofrequency ablation and, if so, how recently? First and most important, you should have an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot in the deep veins. If there is no DVT and your recently had an RFA/EVLT procedure done, it is possible that a nerve was irritated during the procedure. This does happen on occasion/rarely, especially since nerves run in close proximity to the saphenous vein. Typically. symptoms go away in the next 6 months to 1 year, improving over time. Your provider can give you medications to help the pain. In any event, I definitely think that you should see the provider that did your procedure to be re-evaluated by ultrasound. It is NOT normal to have that much pain after any venous procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 06, 2014

Numbness usually is related to nerve conditions; however, throbbing pain and pain in legs that disturb sleep can be signs that you could have an underlying vein condition called venous reflux. To be certain, you will need to consult with a vein specialist and be tested.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Numbness usually is related to nerve conditions; however, throbbing pain and pain in legs that disturb sleep can be signs that you could have an underlying vein condition called venous reflux. To be certain, you will need to consult with a vein specialist and be tested.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 06, 2014

You might have neuropathy, or nerve-related discomfort. Pain from venous insufficiency usually is worse during the day and relieved in bed with the legs elevated. Your primary care doctor will either diagnose the
problem, or refer you to a neurologist.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

You might have neuropathy, or nerve-related discomfort. Pain from venous insufficiency usually is worse during the day and relieved in bed with the legs elevated. Your primary care doctor will either diagnose the
problem, or refer you to a neurologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 06, 2014

You need a venous ultrasound study.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You need a venous ultrasound study.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

I would check with your surgeon. The symptoms sound like there may be an injured nerve.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I would check with your surgeon. The symptoms sound like there may be an injured nerve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Your symptoms do not appear to be venous in origin. The common causes of what you describe usually are neurologic or arterial, with venous being a third option. You should have a full evaluation, including arterial, venous and neurologic. Also, your back should be evaluated for a disc problem. You should see an accredited vascular surgeon who could evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Your symptoms do not appear to be venous in origin. The common causes of what you describe usually are neurologic or arterial, with venous being a third option. You should have a full evaluation, including arterial, venous and neurologic. Also, your back should be evaluated for a disc problem. You should see an accredited vascular surgeon who could evaluate your symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Mar 05, 2014

It sounds as if you have a nerve issue. Get a second opinion as well as an evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

It sounds as if you have a nerve issue. Get a second opinion as well as an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR