Not all swelling is caused by vein reflux, and therefore there can be no guarantee that treating your reflux will help. Because the pain and swelling is localized in the ankle this is probably the case. I would recommend you be measured and fitted in to at least a 20-30 mmHg pressure good quality knee hose and see if this helps reduce pain and swelling. If there has been a history of an injury to that ankle it could be arthritic changes or disruption of lymphatic drainage. If the hose help and you try conservative therapy (exercise, elevating the legs, hose and anti-inflammatory such as Advil) you may be a candidate for ablation of the affected vein on that side.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Since you have already seen other specialists and had a normal MRI, and show clinical evidence of reflux across SFJ and a dilated GSV, the reason for swelling could most likely be from high venous pressure in the leg. The GSV ablation will help provided there are no other veins involved such as the small saphenous vein, perforator veins in the leg,etc. Even so, the starting treatment will be wearing compression stockings. They will give you an idea if GSV ablation will be helpful. If the swelling is much less or not present on the days you wear the stockings, it again shows that the swelling is likely from high venous pressure due to reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012