Two weeks after having a sclerotherapy treatment and my veins are achy and tender. Is this normal and when will it get better?

Question

I had the procedure done to treat a painful varicose vein, the vein now aches more and each of the veins (sources of the varicose vein) that were also treated are tender to the touch and ache as well. My leg actually feels better with the compression stocking on, so I'm continuing to wear it during the day but worry about when I take it off and my leg aches. Is this normal and how long will it take to stop being tender and aching?

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Veins can be painful for several weeks after treatment, up to a few moths.  They should darken, and begin to resolve over several months.  Just allow them to dissapate on their own, and realize, legs heal slowly. I hope this helps!

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy alone may not be sufficient treatment for varicose veins. Varicose veins are due to malfunctioning valves of the saphenous system of veins.  If these valves have not been treated then they may need to be addressed otherwise there will be a high recurrence rate.  Sclerotherapy does cause the treated veins to clot which can become tender.  Compression hose will help and you can even wear them at night if they make the legs feel better.  Wet heat to the tender areas and ibuprofen will also help.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Sclerotherapy causes a controlled chemical inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) which eventually cause thrombosis or obliteration of the injected (sclerosed) vein(s). Sometimes the inflammation is prolonged but it is not uncommon for the more superficial veins to become red and inflamed and be very tender to the touch.Support stockings will help relieve the pain and in the U.S. we recommend the use of NSAIDs for such inflammation.If there is associated leg swelling, there is a small risk of having coexistent deep vein clot and a scan is recommended.I also recommend a product called Swell-X pt for such inflammation and pain. If the pain worsens and if there is swelling, contact the physician for a Duplex venous ultrasound scan to rule out a deep vein clot.

Two weeks after having a sclerotherapy treatment and my veins are achy and tender. Is this normal and when will it get better?

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Two weeks after having a sclerotherapy treatment and my veins are achy and tender. Is this normal and when will it get better?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

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