Why is the pain worse 3 months after endovenous laser ablation?

3 months after EVLA on both legs, my right leg is aching and it does not get any better with compression stockings, which worked well before the surgery. No recanalization according to the follow-up ultrasound. My right arm also hurts. What's happening? The doctor is not providing any answers.

Answers from doctors (6)


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

Published on Aug 10, 2017

Arm pain is not related to the EVLT procedure in your leg.

You don't specify your age and which arm hurts which may be helpful in determining if this is coronary ischemia. Although CAD can cause left or right arm discomfort, left is more classic.

There are a host of other issues that can cause arm pain and this is not the forum for that as we are answering questions about venous disease. Thoracic outlet syndrome is another one and there are many many more.

Talk to your primary care doctor about your arm pain.


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

Arm pain is not related to the EVLT procedure in your leg.

You don't specify your age and which arm hurts which may be helpful in determining if this is coronary ischemia. Although CAD can cause left or right arm discomfort, left is more classic.

There are a host of other issues that can cause arm pain and this is not the forum for that as we are answering questions about venous disease. Thoracic outlet syndrome is another one and there are many many more.

Talk to your primary care doctor about your arm pain.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 01, 2014

You may have something going on not related to veins. See your primary care physician.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You may have something going on not related to veins. See your primary care physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 01, 2014

This is difficult to answer without a full consultation and ultrasound examination. Not all pain is related to saphenous incompetence and a full medical history can help determine this. There are other reasons for leg pain, heaviness etc. Compression can help this. I would recommend talking with your PCP and perhaps getting a second opinion as the symptoms are not isolated to your lower extremities.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This is difficult to answer without a full consultation and ultrasound examination. Not all pain is related to saphenous incompetence and a full medical history can help determine this. There are other reasons for leg pain, heaviness etc. Compression can help this. I would recommend talking with your PCP and perhaps getting a second opinion as the symptoms are not isolated to your lower extremities.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 30, 2014

Did they check for DVT? You should be able to go in or call the clinic and say that you're in pain and are worried about a DVT and they would check to make sure. Second thing is that having one ablation on both legs will not solve the entire problem in your legs. There are usually more veins that are refluxing that need treatment. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Did they check for DVT? You should be able to go in or call the clinic and say that you're in pain and are worried about a DVT and they would check to make sure. Second thing is that having one ablation on both legs will not solve the entire problem in your legs. There are usually more veins that are refluxing that need treatment. Make sure your physician is accredited by the American College of Phlebology.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 27, 2014

Difficult question to answer with limited info. I would definitely have an in depth conversation with your provider and discuss further. If they are not helpful, I would seek a second opinion from another venous specialist.
You should not be 'worse' 3 months later. Conservative measures such as the stockings should also *help*.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

Difficult question to answer with limited info. I would definitely have an in depth conversation with your provider and discuss further. If they are not helpful, I would seek a second opinion from another venous specialist.
You should not be 'worse' 3 months later. Conservative measures such as the stockings should also *help*.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 26, 2014

There is no reason for your arm to hurt from the endovenous ablation. There has to be another cause for this. The aching is your right leg could be related to the ablation and 3 months is a long time to still have discomfort. Since you have a normal post ablation sonogram, I would try ibuprofen, warm compresses and walking or exercise to improve your venous return and leg muscle pumps.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is no reason for your arm to hurt from the endovenous ablation. There has to be another cause for this. The aching is your right leg could be related to the ablation and 3 months is a long time to still have discomfort. Since you have a normal post ablation sonogram, I would try ibuprofen, warm compresses and walking or exercise to improve your venous return and leg muscle pumps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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