It's been over 72 hours and I still can't walk after sclerotherapy. Why?

Question

I got sclerotherapy Friday and I still can't stretch my leg out enough to walk. Im supposed to go to school, drive, and work tomorrow.

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Some tenderness or soreness right where the veins were injected is normal after sclerotherapy.  The amount of discomfort you are experiencing is unusual please contact your doctor. I recommend he or she see you and evaluate the situation.

Craig Schwartz, DO · Answer

Unfortunately, you are experiencing a very atypical response to sclerotherapy, and I cannot tell you exactly why. Generally, sclerotherapy is very well tolerated, with only a mild degree of discomfort, which typically resolves within hours to a few days. It is possible you may have developed superfical thrombophlebitis in one or more of your veins. You should absolutely return to your treating physician to have them evaluate your current condition. In the meantime, you may try conservative measures which can provide symptomatic relief, such as NSAID's, and warm, moist compresses.

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question, it is difficult to tell why you are having trouble walking without actually doing an evaluation first, but pain is one reason, however it is concerning in this case that you might be having a complication like a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). For this reason alone, I would certainly recommend obtaining an ultrasound to check for deep venous patency. Other causes include superificial thrombophlebitis, a known side effect or complication of this procedure which will resolve on its own (quicker with ibuprofen, compression stocking therapy, and heat compresses).

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is usually well tolerated and associated with minimum discomfort and down time.  I encourage my patients to get back to normal activities immediately.  What you are describing is not the norm and I would recommend that you follow up with your treating physician as soon as possible.  In the interim apply wet heat to the areas that hurt you and try ibuprofen .

J. Daniel Jensen, MD · Answer

Mike to moderate pain following sclerotherapy can occasionally happen, but the degree of your symptoms are somewhat atypical. If you haven't already, I would recommend contacting your doctor's office for their recommendations. They would know better if you are at high risk for developing superficial venous thrombophlebitis or a DVT. The latter needs treatment but either one could potentially explain your symptoms. Hope this helps. Best wishes, Dr Jensen

It's been over 72 hours and I still can't walk after sclerotherapy. Why?

Answers (5)

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