Might I need Sclerotherapy?
The source of your pain needs to be determined before a treatment can be recommended. Pain can be traced to musculoskeletal, neurologic, and vascular causes.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your symptoms are very vague. If you could describe your symptoms (i.e., varicose veins and/or any other medical problems you have), we could advise you more.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you have ankle pain, I would suggest having your ankle examined by an orthopedist and possibly x-rayed as a first step.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Do you have a history of vein problems? If not and you have a swollen painful ankle or lower leg, then you might want to consider vein ultrasound evaluation for deep vein clot or for leaky veins (venous insufficiency). If you have bulging veins or a lot of purple spider veins in your ankle region, these are signs of venous insufficiency and likely the cause of your ankle pain. The pattern of pain in patients with venous insufficiency is more pain as the day progresses, made worse with standing or sitting and improved with elevation, rest and generally by the time one gets up in the morning. This pattern of pain tends to repeat itself day to day with little variation. Of course, there are also other common causes of ankle pain such as arthritis from previous injuries or trauma or aging in general.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible that you have developed a phlebitis (inflamed) vein from the sclerotherapy if it is a localized discomfort over an area that was injected. This is usually treated with ibuprofen, topical heat frequently applied and tincture of time. There could also be an area of trapped blood which could be released by your treating doctor by inserting a sterile needle. If it is a more generalized discomfort, it may be unrelated to the treatments and you should see your PCP.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would see my family physician first. After they evaluate you, see if they recommend a consultation with a Phlebologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on the cause of the pain, which would be determined by your doctor after exam. If you have large varicose veins or signs of venous insufficiency which is affecting your ankles, then sclerotherapy could be beneficial.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The only way to know is to have an ultrasound on that leg to see if there are veins that feed down into your ankle causing the pain.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for spider veins but it is not a treatment for pain. See an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation of your ankle pain.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
See an Orthopedic surgeon.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Small spider veins are unlikely to cause severe pain. Larger ones may cause symptoms. See a vein MD if you think veins are the problem.
Published on Jul 11, 2012