I have varicose veins and am experiencing a lot of pain. Should I get sclerotherapy as soon as possible?

I have varicose veins all over both legs. More recently, I've been experiencing a lot of pain. I can't even touch them because it hurts. I wore compression stockings for a year and got no results. I have poor circulation. Should I get sclerotherapy done as soon as possible? If sclerotherapy is not the appropriate form of treatment, what is?

Answers from doctors (8)


Cleveland Clinic

Published on Jan 31, 2015

I recommend that you see a vascular specialist to determine if your painful symptoms are related to veins or possibly some other circulatory problems. A physical examination, and possibly ultrasound imaging, could be employed to determine the exact nature and extent of your venous pathology. Based on those findings, a judgment could be made as to whether sclerotherapy would be indicated or not.

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Answered by Cleveland Clinic

I recommend that you see a vascular specialist to determine if your painful symptoms are related to veins or possibly some other circulatory problems. A physical examination, and possibly ultrasound imaging, could be employed to determine the exact nature and extent of your venous pathology. Based on those findings, a judgment could be made as to whether sclerotherapy would be indicated or not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of New Mexico

Published on Jan 30, 2015

Clearly you need to go to a certified vein center for a complete evaluation. The physician should be a board certified vein specialist/phlebologist. Based on the diagnosis made at that time, you will have some appropriate options to consider. From your symptom standpoint, you certainly need a complete examination, which will include a thorough ultrasound mapping of you legs. Hope you can get relief.

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Answered by Vein Center of New Mexico

Clearly you need to go to a certified vein center for a complete evaluation. The physician should be a board certified vein specialist/phlebologist. Based on the diagnosis made at that time, you will have some appropriate options to consider. From your symptom standpoint, you certainly need a complete examination, which will include a thorough ultrasound mapping of you legs. Hope you can get relief.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 30, 2015

The gold standard for varicose veins is to first do a venous reflux ultrasound to identify the malfunctioning valves, then a closure procedure of the valves, followed by removal of the veins either by sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies. See a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The gold standard for varicose veins is to first do a venous reflux ultrasound to identify the malfunctioning valves, then a closure procedure of the valves, followed by removal of the veins either by sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies. See a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Treatment Institute of NJ

Published on Jan 29, 2015

Initially, you should be evaluated by a vein specialist. A focused vein history and examination will be performed in the office. Frequently, a venous ultrasound will be ordered to rule out blood clots and evaluate for reflux ("leaky valves"). Sclerotherapy may be one of the treatment options discussed by your physician. Other treatment options include laser ablation, ultrasound-guided injections and microphlebectomy (microsurgery to remove veins).

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Answered by Vein Treatment Institute of NJ

Initially, you should be evaluated by a vein specialist. A focused vein history and examination will be performed in the office. Frequently, a venous ultrasound will be ordered to rule out blood clots and evaluate for reflux ("leaky valves"). Sclerotherapy may be one of the treatment options discussed by your physician. Other treatment options include laser ablation, ultrasound-guided injections and microphlebectomy (microsurgery to remove veins).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

Published on Jan 29, 2015

You will first need an ultrasound mapping to determine the cause of your varicose veins. The mapping will help determine which procedures are right for you (e.g. vein ablation, microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy). Look for a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders. You should not have to live with varicose vein pain.

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Answered by Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

You will first need an ultrasound mapping to determine the cause of your varicose veins. The mapping will help determine which procedures are right for you (e.g. vein ablation, microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy). Look for a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders. You should not have to live with varicose vein pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

Published on Jan 29, 2015

You need to have a vein mapping and clinical evaluation. Sclerotherapy is typically performed on smaller branching veins. Usually, laser or radiofrequency ablation is more appropriate for varicose veins. Seek out a vein specialist and have an evaluation. The results of your exam will help your specialist determine the best form of treatment.

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Answered by Artery and Vein Specialists of Idaho

You need to have a vein mapping and clinical evaluation. Sclerotherapy is typically performed on smaller branching veins. Usually, laser or radiofrequency ablation is more appropriate for varicose veins. Seek out a vein specialist and have an evaluation. The results of your exam will help your specialist determine the best form of treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Jan 29, 2015

If you have varicose veins, you need to see a vein doctor and have him or her perform an ultrasound on your legs to diagnose the problem. From there, the appropriate treatment plan can be advised. Having sclerotherapy done without the ultrasound is not recommended since it may not be the best treatment for your condition. While it might give you temporary relief of your symptoms, more varicose veins will appear over time.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

If you have varicose veins, you need to see a vein doctor and have him or her perform an ultrasound on your legs to diagnose the problem. From there, the appropriate treatment plan can be advised. Having sclerotherapy done without the ultrasound is not recommended since it may not be the best treatment for your condition. While it might give you temporary relief of your symptoms, more varicose veins will appear over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists of Arizona

Published on Jan 29, 2015

The first thing to do is have a complete bilateral (both legs) venous ultrasound study performed laying down and standing up. This will determine whether you have a problem, where is it and how bad is it. This will all dictate how to treat it (e.g. radiofrequency or laser ablation and/or sclerotherapy). Continue to wear your compression stockings during the day as well.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1573_1427908956.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialists of Arizona

The first thing to do is have a complete bilateral (both legs) venous ultrasound study performed laying down and standing up. This will determine whether you have a problem, where is it and how bad is it. This will all dictate how to treat it (e.g. radiofrequency or laser ablation and/or sclerotherapy). Continue to wear your compression stockings during the day as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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