When will I be able to walk without pain?

I had a superficial vein removed from the groin to my ankle. It's been 6 days now since surgery and I still have terrible pain near my ankle where four cuts were made. I also have pain inside my leg where the vein was removed. I cannot even take a single step without having discomfort. Is this normal? When will I be able to walk without pain?

Answers from doctors (5)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Apr 17, 2014

Did you have an ablation on the saphenous vein? If that is the case, then I would expect you to have moderate discomfort for about 2 wks. Ibuprofen/tylenol will help. Make sure where the phlebectomy was performed that the incisions do not look infected. If so, keflex is the typical antibiotic given post-phlebectomy. A follow-up appointment is always recommended 1-2 weeks post-procedure. It is very important.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Did you have an ablation on the saphenous vein? If that is the case, then I would expect you to have moderate discomfort for about 2 wks. Ibuprofen/tylenol will help. Make sure where the phlebectomy was performed that the incisions do not look infected. If so, keflex is the typical antibiotic given post-phlebectomy. A follow-up appointment is always recommended 1-2 weeks post-procedure. It is very important.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 11, 2014

You have to remember that you had a large vein removed from your leg and based on what you have described, you had what sounds like a stripping procedure done. Things need to heal inside and out. This is why we do not do stripping procedures. Now, if by chance I am incorrect and you actually had a laser procedure to treat your vein (which is what my office would have done), the soreness should improve within 2-3 weeks provided that the procedure worked and that there are no other tributaries that were left untreated by your doc. As for the cuts in and around your ankle, I would assume that they will heal in the next 3-4 weeks, but since I do not cut on my patients, I can not tell you for certain. That is a question for your doc.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

You have to remember that you had a large vein removed from your leg and based on what you have described, you had what sounds like a stripping procedure done. Things need to heal inside and out. This is why we do not do stripping procedures. Now, if by chance I am incorrect and you actually had a laser procedure to treat your vein (which is what my office would have done), the soreness should improve within 2-3 weeks provided that the procedure worked and that there are no other tributaries that were left untreated by your doc. As for the cuts in and around your ankle, I would assume that they will heal in the next 3-4 weeks, but since I do not cut on my patients, I can not tell you for certain. That is a question for your doc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 03, 2014

You had vein stripping, which is an old fashion operation. Many, if not most, vein specialists prefer more advanced treatment methods like endovenous laser ablation because there tend to be fewer complications. The pain you are experiencing can last for over a month.



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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You had vein stripping, which is an old fashion operation. Many, if not most, vein specialists prefer more advanced treatment methods like endovenous laser ablation because there tend to be fewer complications. The pain you are experiencing can last for over a month.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


It sounds like you had a ligation and stripping of your great saphenous vein. I don't do those procedures so I don't have a great answer for you, but I would say it should improve over the next couple weeks. You can use NSAIDS like Ibuprofen for pain as needed in the interim. Post operative pain is normal but if it is that severe, I would be evaluated by your surgeon. If he/she feels it is normal, then they can prescribe stronger pain medicine in the short term until it improves.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

It sounds like you had a ligation and stripping of your great saphenous vein. I don't do those procedures so I don't have a great answer for you, but I would say it should improve over the next couple weeks. You can use NSAIDS like Ibuprofen for pain as needed in the interim. Post operative pain is normal but if it is that severe, I would be evaluated by your surgeon. If he/she feels it is normal, then they can prescribe stronger pain medicine in the short term until it improves.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 03, 2014

If you had a vein stripping (removal) or a great saphenous closure procedure you can have discomfort anywhere along the course of the vein from the groin to the ankle. Usually the discomfort will be worse for the first post op week then improve. The ankle pain is a combination of the incisions and irritation of the nerves in that area. This will also improve. Compression, ibuprofen and wet heat to the area will improve this.

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

If you had a vein stripping (removal) or a great saphenous closure procedure you can have discomfort anywhere along the course of the vein from the groin to the ankle. Usually the discomfort will be worse for the first post op week then improve. The ankle pain is a combination of the incisions and irritation of the nerves in that area. This will also improve. Compression, ibuprofen and wet heat to the area will improve this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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