I had sclerotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. My legs now ache and feel heavy as soon as I get up in the morning. I have been wearing support knee highs. How long should this last? Legs didn't feel this way before sclerotherapy.
No, your legs should not ache 4 weeks after sclerotherapy. I have had one patient tell me the same thing and we could find no obvious reason. Symptoms eventually went away.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should discuss this with the treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should contact your vein specialist and share these symptoms with them. You might need an ultrasound to exclude a deep vein clot. Also, if you did not have an ultrasound before your sclerotherapy, I would consider obtaining one for venous insufficiency.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Often, the treated veins have an inflammatory reaction around 2 weeks post-sclerotherapy that can give pain/aches. Anti-inflammatories and compression stockings would help for the symptoms. Regular daily walking would be helpful as well.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not usually a symptom post sclerotherapy. See your MD, as something else may be going on.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This would be extremely unusual from the sclerotherapy as only very superficial veins are treated. Has your vascular surgeon performed an ultrasound since the treatment? Are your compression hose correctly fitted? Do you remove them at night? We only ask our patients to wear them for the first 7 days post-treatment, do lots of walking, drink plenty of fluids, and resume normal exercise such as walking.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Usually sclerotherapy is not associated with pain 4 weeks after treatment. You should go back to see your doctor to find out the cause of the discomfort which could also be related to other issuesmuscles, joints, etc.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would follow up with your doctor and have an ultrasound done to make sure that all the veins treated are closed off. There could be other varices that were not treated, giving the feeling of heaviness in your legs.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would recommend an evaluation by your physician, including an ultrasound of your veins to evaluate your symptoms further. I would not expect such symptoms 4 weeks after treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, your legs should not ache 4 weeks after having sclerotherapy. Vein treatments when done correctly should actually make your legs feel better and lighter since the efficiency of your venous circulation should improve after the treatment. If you are hurting, it usually signifies that something is not right and you should have your legs re-evaluated. It is possible that your treatment was only a partial treatment and you actually have something more than just spider veins. Did you have your legs ultrasounded for internal defects? Another thing is that I do not recommend knee high stocking in most patients since most people have vein disease above their knees as well and wearing knee high compression stockings can constrict your vessels around your knee and cause a build up of pressure in your knee resulting in discomfort.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It would be very unusual for your legs to ache this long after sclerotherapy. Most of the time there is NO discomfort following sclerotherapy and patients return to normal activities immediately. I would recommend following up with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012