Pain in calf after sclerotherapy. Can anyone advise me what it could be and how long it could take to clear?

Question

I recently had sclerotherapy in right thigh on 4cm varicose vein. I was advised to wear a stocking for 4 days but after 24 hours I was experiencing pain in my calf and had to remove it. Now 5 days after procedure, my calf is still throbbing- feels like quite severe muscle strain but will not go away. I went to NHS out of hours service and they told me it can't be DVT as there's no swelling. I still cannot walk on the leg. Can anyone advise me what it could be and how long it could take to clear?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would evaluate this with a clinical exam and diagnostic ultrasound. If there is no blood clot, I would suggest Plato's Omega vein cream and Venasmart compression stockings. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Please see your physician to determine what is best for treatment at this time, this could be superficial clots that need expression.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

For pain after sclerotherapy, return for venous Duplex scan to exclude DVT and guide treatment for possible superficial vein thrombophlebitis. H Karamanoukian MD FACS
certified vein specialist from ABVLM

Ivan Brooks, MD · Answer

This can all be normal but you definitely need a ultrasound to rule out a deep vein thrombosis.  A 4 cm vein required a large volume of sclerosing agent and cause pain as the vein fibrosis and scars down.  I recommend Ice, compression, elevation and NSAID's for pain.  It should improve over the next coulple of weeks.

John Landi, MD · Answer

What you need is a venous ultrasound to ensure that there is no DVT which could happen following sclerotherapy of varicose veins.  Most likely you have pain from the treated varicose vein which has now clotted and will improve over time with heat to the area and ibuprofen.  However, a DVT needs to be ruled out.  Follow up with your treating physician.

Pain in calf after sclerotherapy. Can anyone advise me what it could be and how long it could take to clear?

Answers (8)