What do I do about my ELA/sclerotherapy-related symptoms?

I had ELA & sclerotherapy on 4 saph veins same day. After a couple of weeks I started experiencing lots of varied burning, pain, pressure tingling, numbness, and throbbing in my legs/feet. The doctor doesn't have answers for me. Why am I worse off and what should I do?

Answers from doctors (11)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Sep 27, 2013

You are probably feeling the effects of the treated veins either closing or opening back up. Keep in mind that your veins have a lot of branches feeding off of them. Not all of these branches close with the laser or with sclero. Because your complaints started 2 weeks later, my guess is that some of these treated veins closed and now the venous structure in your leg has started to adjust to the closures. During this adjustment phase, you can develop new refluxing channels, new feeders try to pump into these treated veins or even trapped blood. All of these can cause the pain you are reporting. Unfortunately, your doc is probably someone who only does vein treatments on the side. A doc who only does veins would know this. Go find yourself a an accredited person who only does vein treatments.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

You are probably feeling the effects of the treated veins either closing or opening back up. Keep in mind that your veins have a lot of branches feeding off of them. Not all of these branches close with the laser or with sclero. Because your complaints started 2 weeks later, my guess is that some of these treated veins closed and now the venous structure in your leg has started to adjust to the closures. During this adjustment phase, you can develop new refluxing channels, new feeders try to pump into these treated veins or even trapped blood. All of these can cause the pain you are reporting. Unfortunately, your doc is probably someone who only does vein treatments on the side. A doc who only does veins would know this. Go find yourself a an accredited person who only does vein treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Sep 17, 2013

Usually, endovenous laser ablation is done on only 1 saphenous vein at a time to prevent unnecessary pain afterwards. There are nerves that run along those saphenous veins that can be irritated or damaged during treatment, and may take a few months to completely heal. Did the physician perform a follow-up ultrasound? The ultrasound is done to ensure the treatment was successful. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

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

Usually, endovenous laser ablation is done on only 1 saphenous vein at a time to prevent unnecessary pain afterwards. There are nerves that run along those saphenous veins that can be irritated or damaged during treatment, and may take a few months to completely heal. Did the physician perform a follow-up ultrasound? The ultrasound is done to ensure the treatment was successful. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Sep 13, 2013

After treatment, patients often experience a pulling sensation, which is the result of the vein hardening. Sclerotherapy, by definition, means hardening the vein. Also, post-EVLT the hardened vein pulls on the skin and can cause pain. Some edema, bruising and swelling may occur, and this is common. These symptoms may cause discomfort but should go away with Arnica, anti-inflammatories, and compression stockings. The most important complication would be nerve damage and blood clot. I always recommend to follow up with your physician ASAP if these present. If you have any concern, you are more than welcome to ask more questions. I would be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1162_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

After treatment, patients often experience a pulling sensation, which is the result of the vein hardening. Sclerotherapy, by definition, means hardening the vein. Also, post-EVLT the hardened vein pulls on the skin and can cause pain. Some edema, bruising and swelling may occur, and this is common. These symptoms may cause discomfort but should go away with Arnica, anti-inflammatories, and compression stockings. The most important complication would be nerve damage and blood clot. I always recommend to follow up with your physician ASAP if these present. If you have any concern, you are more than welcome to ask more questions. I would be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Sep 09, 2013

Thermal ablation may irritate nearby nerves, which could be painful for some time. If your doctor can't tell you why you have this problem I would seek another opinion to make sure everything is OK. When seeking a second opinion, be sure to find a vein specialist who is board certified and has years of experience treating veins with a variety of modalities.

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

Thermal ablation may irritate nearby nerves, which could be painful for some time. If your doctor can't tell you why you have this problem I would seek another opinion to make sure everything is OK. When seeking a second opinion, be sure to find a vein specialist who is board certified and has years of experience treating veins with a variety of modalities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Sep 09, 2013

See a different vein specialist.


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

See a different vein specialist.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Sep 08, 2013

Your symptoms are not unexpected. There is a healing process that needs to occur. The best you can do is to wear compression stockings daily, try to do walking exercises and use anti-inflammatory medications. It should began to subside after 1-2 more weeks.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Your symptoms are not unexpected. There is a healing process that needs to occur. The best you can do is to wear compression stockings daily, try to do walking exercises and use anti-inflammatory medications. It should began to subside after 1-2 more weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Sep 07, 2013

First of all, your doctor should understand that they blocked all main superficial venous exit routes for the blood in your legs at one time. With that understood, they should tell you that it will take some time for your perforator veins to adjust, since they will now convey the venous blood into the deep veins directly. Establishing such drastic alterations in circulation takes time and you will have to be patient as these changes adjust. They might also suggest wearing properly fitted gradient support stockings to reduce your
discomfort.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

First of all, your doctor should understand that they blocked all main superficial venous exit routes for the blood in your legs at one time. With that understood, they should tell you that it will take some time for your perforator veins to adjust, since they will now convey the venous blood into the deep veins directly. Establishing such drastic alterations in circulation takes time and you will have to be patient as these changes adjust. They might also suggest wearing properly fitted gradient support stockings to reduce your
discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 06, 2013

In my practice we will only seal one saphenous vein at a time. If you are not getting support from your treating physician you should seek an opinion from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating superficial vein disease. This is not a normal outcome. You may be referred to a neurologist to assess possible nerve involvement.

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

In my practice we will only seal one saphenous vein at a time. If you are not getting support from your treating physician you should seek an opinion from a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in treating superficial vein disease. This is not a normal outcome. You may be referred to a neurologist to assess possible nerve involvement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Sep 06, 2013

Needs to be evaluated.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Needs to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 05, 2013

It sounds as if you may have some nerve irritation following the laser ablation. The nerves most commonly affected are the saphenous nerve, which runs along the medial leg to the ankle and the sural nerve, which runs close to the small saphenous vein. It would be most unusual for all the nerves to be affected. Fortunately, most nerve issues improve over time. For now, I would try NSAID'S and possible topical heat treatments to the areas affected. I would also get a second opinion from a vein specialist.

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

It sounds as if you may have some nerve irritation following the laser ablation. The nerves most commonly affected are the saphenous nerve, which runs along the medial leg to the ankle and the sural nerve, which runs close to the small saphenous vein. It would be most unusual for all the nerves to be affected. Fortunately, most nerve issues improve over time. For now, I would try NSAID'S and possible topical heat treatments to the areas affected. I would also get a second opinion from a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Sep 05, 2013

Find another MD if he cannot answer your questions.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Find another MD if he cannot answer your questions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I had EVLT about 10 days ago , now I have a big knot on my inner thigh and when I touch it, it still hurts , I had a lot of pain the day after the surgery and I couldn't bend my leg. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
If I have had large vessels such as the saphenous closed, is there chance of circulatory problems later on?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
Can you please detail some of the restrictions after EVLT?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I am just over 2 weeks post EVLT and still have pain. As long as I take an anti-inflammatory the pain subsides. Visually the inner thigh looks good. How much longer will the pain last?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -8 answers
It has been a week since my EVLT procedure, and I am wondering if I should continue wearing the compression stocking?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -11 answers
I had swelling in my left foot and my doctor confirmed that the valves in two of my veins were not working properly. I had these veins closed with endovenous laser ablation, but four weeks later I still have swelling in my foot that doesn't go away. Is this normal?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
I have burning pain at my incision site 3 weeks after endovenous laser ablation. It isn't constant, just when it is touched or rubbed. Could this be nerve damage or a hair follicle that is irritated from the incision?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment and sclerotherapy performed on both the greater and lessor saphenous veins of my legs. It was done on the same day. After a couple of weeks I started feeling numbness and tingling in my legs, mostly below the knee and through my feet. Will the feelings ever go away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
Or does the treatment permanently remove them?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
I had EVLT done about three months ago..right after the EVLT procedure i started feeling weird sensations in my ankle and now the pain seems to get worse every day? Could this pain be associated with the procedure?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -6 answers
I am about two months into treatment for chronic venous insufficiency? I have had laser ablation and foam sclerotherapy with very little results. Can anything be done to treat lipodermatosclerosis after the veins are treated. I wear compression hose.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -13 answers
I had my GSV ablation done 13 days ago and still have intense pain in a segment on the inner thigh just above the knee. Is this level of pain normal and, if so, for how long? I have to take Advil for relief, but my stomach is sensitive to NSAIDS.
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -9 answers
I've heard that ELA can result in deep vein thrombosis. Is this true, and how common is this complication? Is there any way to prevent it?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -7 answers
EVLT 5 days ago GSV. No serious pain yet. Compression stocking to come off tomorrow, but bruising seems excessive with dark patches and tenderness to touch. I was told to use heating pad, and now I'm reading not to do that. What should I do?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -5 answers
What are the side effects of drinking alcohol after my evla?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -4 answers
I have sharp stabbing pains in my leg. It's very painful and the Motrin did not help. I was in tears! This went on for a couple of days. The pain is on my right leg and my left leg isn't painful at all. What could this be?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -10 answers
It's been a year since my surgery and I still have bruising. Does that mean it's permanent?
See More
Endovenous Laser Ablation -12 answers
Does this procedure hurt?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR