Years after having a sclerotherapy treatment, my leg constantly burns. Should I be concerned?

I had sclerotherapy four to five years ago. My leg is constantly burning and is further aggravated by being on my feet a lot at work. Should I be concerned?

Answers from doctors (15)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Apr 13, 2021

Was the burning present before sclerotherapy and were the symptoms the main reason for receiving treatment? It would be quite unlikely that symptoms could be attributed to sclerotherapy years after treatment.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Was the burning present before sclerotherapy and were the symptoms the main reason for receiving treatment? It would be quite unlikely that symptoms could be attributed to sclerotherapy years after treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Jun 11, 2013

It doesn't sound too concerning, but I would recommend you follow up with your physician or find an interventional radiologist to follow up with. Also, have another ultrasound of your leg to see if there are still veins that need to be treated or other bigger veins that might need to be ablated.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It doesn't sound too concerning, but I would recommend you follow up with your physician or find an interventional radiologist to follow up with. Also, have another ultrasound of your leg to see if there are still veins that need to be treated or other bigger veins that might need to be ablated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Jun 07, 2013

Burning 4- 5 years after sclerotherapy is probably unrelated to the treatment. You need to be re-evaluated.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Burning 4- 5 years after sclerotherapy is probably unrelated to the treatment. You need to be re-evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Jun 06, 2013

Anyone with lifestyle-limiting symptoms in the legs should be evaluated by a qualified vein care specialist and have a diagnostic ultrasound of the leg veins. The imaging test can detect venous disease, which may be treated with minimally invasive or noninvasive methods.

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Answered by Vein 911

Anyone with lifestyle-limiting symptoms in the legs should be evaluated by a qualified vein care specialist and have a diagnostic ultrasound of the leg veins. The imaging test can detect venous disease, which may be treated with minimally invasive or noninvasive methods.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jun 06, 2013

If the burning sensation you are feeling came on suddenly and recently, it is highly unlikely that is it due to the sclerotherapy treatment you had years ago. If such was the case, you would have experienced the burning following the procedure. Even then, this symptom often resolves over a matter of weeks to months. Given that, you should seek an evaluation from an experienced vein specialist. After a thorough examination (including an ultrasound), he/she may be able to determine the source of your problem.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

If the burning sensation you are feeling came on suddenly and recently, it is highly unlikely that is it due to the sclerotherapy treatment you had years ago. If such was the case, you would have experienced the burning following the procedure. Even then, this symptom often resolves over a matter of weeks to months. Given that, you should seek an evaluation from an experienced vein specialist. After a thorough examination (including an ultrasound), he/she may be able to determine the source of your problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jun 06, 2013

The burning may be related to another condition such as peripheral neuropathy, or perhaps you have untreated vein issues. I would recommend you consult with a doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The burning may be related to another condition such as peripheral neuropathy, or perhaps you have untreated vein issues. I would recommend you consult with a doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jun 06, 2013

It's rather odd for a burning sensation to occur years after sclerotherapy. Maybe something else is wrong.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

It's rather odd for a burning sensation to occur years after sclerotherapy. Maybe something else is wrong.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Jun 06, 2013

You do not mention in your post whether or not you have varicose veins. The symptoms you are describing could very possibly indicate venous incompetence, either in the superficial or the deep venous system. The only way to know definitively would be to have an ultrasound incompetence study. As for the sclerotherapy you had some years ago, it is very unlikely that the procedure is causing your present discomfort.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

You do not mention in your post whether or not you have varicose veins. The symptoms you are describing could very possibly indicate venous incompetence, either in the superficial or the deep venous system. The only way to know definitively would be to have an ultrasound incompetence study. As for the sclerotherapy you had some years ago, it is very unlikely that the procedure is causing your present discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 06, 2013

Your symptoms are probably unrelated to the sclerotherapy. If the burning is on the outside of your thigh and calf, it could be that lower back issues are irritating the sciatic nerve. You can try wearing a compression stocking or seeing your primary care physician to have your lower back assessed. Perhaps, some physical therapy may help. That said, spider veins can have a burning sensation at times also, and is often related to menstrual cycles in women.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Your symptoms are probably unrelated to the sclerotherapy. If the burning is on the outside of your thigh and calf, it could be that lower back issues are irritating the sciatic nerve. You can try wearing a compression stocking or seeing your primary care physician to have your lower back assessed. Perhaps, some physical therapy may help. That said, spider veins can have a burning sensation at times also, and is often related to menstrual cycles in women.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jun 05, 2013

Unlikely to be caused by sclerotherapy.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Unlikely to be caused by sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jun 05, 2013

Have you ever had an ultrasound of your legs? It sounds as though you might have an underlying problem with your veins, and this could be causing the burning. I would advise you to consult with a vein specialist who is used to dealing with various venous issues.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Have you ever had an ultrasound of your legs? It sounds as though you might have an underlying problem with your veins, and this could be causing the burning. I would advise you to consult with a vein specialist who is used to dealing with various venous issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jun 05, 2013

The treatment 5 years ago may well have closed those veins that had abnormal reflux at that time. Veins with borderline but adequate function at that time would not have been treated, since they can't be identified. In the 5 years since your treatment, some of these borderline valves may have failed, since venous insufficiency is a progressive process. In other words, veins that were OK before, may not be now. It would make sense that you would have these symptoms. A proper ultrasound examination with provocative physiologic testing can identify the location and extent of any abnormality, and your vein physician can discuss a treatment plan with you if one is indicated.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The treatment 5 years ago may well have closed those veins that had abnormal reflux at that time. Veins with borderline but adequate function at that time would not have been treated, since they can't be identified. In the 5 years since your treatment, some of these borderline valves may have failed, since venous insufficiency is a progressive process. In other words, veins that were OK before, may not be now. It would make sense that you would have these symptoms. A proper ultrasound examination with provocative physiologic testing can identify the location and extent of any abnormality, and your vein physician can discuss a treatment plan with you if one is indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jun 05, 2013

You most likely have venous insufficiency (venous reflux) that was not treated with sclerotherapy. You need a new evaluation by a competent Phlebologist (vein disease specialist)

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

You most likely have venous insufficiency (venous reflux) that was not treated with sclerotherapy. You need a new evaluation by a competent Phlebologist (vein disease specialist)

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jun 05, 2013

Perhaps your burning symptoms are related to saphenous insufficiency or neuropathy. You would be smart to see a board-certified vein specialist for an ultrasound and exam.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Perhaps your burning symptoms are related to saphenous insufficiency or neuropathy. You would be smart to see a board-certified vein specialist for an ultrasound and exam.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 05, 2013

Unless the burning has been present since the last sclerotherapy session five years ago, the procedure likely has nothing to do with the symptom you are experiencing. You should have an evaluation by a vein specialist or a vascular surgeon to see if the burning is related to a nerve, your back or an arterial cause.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Unless the burning has been present since the last sclerotherapy session five years ago, the procedure likely has nothing to do with the symptom you are experiencing. You should have an evaluation by a vein specialist or a vascular surgeon to see if the burning is related to a nerve, your back or an arterial cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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