Is leg pain a common side effect after varicose vein surgery or sclerotherapy treatments?

I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?

Answers from doctors (5)


Varicose Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 19, 2017

The “shooting pains” could be related to nerve injury, but it is difficult to determine with certainty. If there is any leg swelling, or calf discomfort, a venous duplex may be indicated to rule out a deep vein clot, especially after having several vein treatments. Redness or increased warmth could indicate phlebitis or cellulitis, which could be further assessed by clinical evaluation. There should not be significant pain after sclerotherapy other than perhaps mild tenderness if there is bruising. I would recommend following up with your vascular doctor for an exam and to see if any further testing is indicated.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1298_1500049498.jpg
Answered by Varicose Vein Specialists

The “shooting pains” could be related to nerve injury, but it is difficult to determine with certainty. If there is any leg swelling, or calf discomfort, a venous duplex may be indicated to rule out a deep vein clot, especially after having several vein treatments. Redness or increased warmth could indicate phlebitis or cellulitis, which could be further assessed by clinical evaluation. There should not be significant pain after sclerotherapy other than perhaps mild tenderness if there is bruising. I would recommend following up with your vascular doctor for an exam and to see if any further testing is indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 04, 2012

You need to have the reason for the pain evaluated. It could be related to nerves in the area of the laser ablation or microphlebectomies or not related to the prior surgery at all. I would recommend that you follow up with your treating physician.

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

You need to have the reason for the pain evaluated. It could be related to nerves in the area of the laser ablation or microphlebectomies or not related to the prior surgery at all. I would recommend that you follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 26, 2010

Persistent pain after any of these procedures is not usually the case. You should contact your provider for further evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Persistent pain after any of these procedures is not usually the case. You should contact your provider for further evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 16, 2009

This is not typical. If the phlebectomy did not give you any improvement in the appearance of the varicose veins, that probably means they were not removed. If you noticed immediate improvement but then new varicose veins appeared, that would indicate that the underlying cause (a leaky vein) was not treated. That would be the purpose of laser ablation. Shooting pains in the leg could be part of the healing process or it is possible that a nerve injury has occurred. I would recommend discussing these symptoms with your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

This is not typical. If the phlebectomy did not give you any improvement in the appearance of the varicose veins, that probably means they were not removed. If you noticed immediate improvement but then new varicose veins appeared, that would indicate that the underlying cause (a leaky vein) was not treated. That would be the purpose of laser ablation. Shooting pains in the leg could be part of the healing process or it is possible that a nerve injury has occurred. I would recommend discussing these symptoms with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Sep 24, 2009

This is not typical. If the phlebectomy did not give you any improvement in the appearance of the varicose veins, that probably means they were not removed. If you noticed immediate improvement but then new varicose veins appeared, that would indicate that the underlying cause (a leaky vein) was not treated. That would be the purpose of laser ablation. I would recommend a follow-up ultrasound for diagnosis. Wearing compression stockings and taking Ibuprofen (with food or milk) may be helpful for pain.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

This is not typical. If the phlebectomy did not give you any improvement in the appearance of the varicose veins, that probably means they were not removed. If you noticed immediate improvement but then new varicose veins appeared, that would indicate that the underlying cause (a leaky vein) was not treated. That would be the purpose of laser ablation. I would recommend a follow-up ultrasound for diagnosis. Wearing compression stockings and taking Ibuprofen (with food or milk) may be helpful for pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -2 answers
I have stiffness in my knees, as well as swelling and pain on the outside of my knees. It is really hindering my activities. I cannot bend my knees without screaming pain. I had surgery 2 yrs ago to collapse the worst veins, but not all of my veins were treated. Could my knee pain be related to my varicose vein issues?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR