Varicose veins in the legs caused by venous insufficiency can be embarrassing, but even worse, they can be very painful. Many people experience burning, itching, aching, or throbbing, and they can make your legs feel heavy.
Endovenous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most used procedures to treat varicose veins and to help relieve these symptoms. “Endo” means “inside,” and “venous” is “referring to a vein,” meaning the entire procedure is done through a tiny nick from inside the blood vessel.
Some people wonder if having pain after their RFA treatment is normal. It can be. Many patients have soreness, tenderness, bruising, and tightness after their procedure that lasts a few weeks while the area is healing.
Is Worse Pain After Radiofrequency Ablation Normal?
It depends. Some pain during the early part of your recovery is normal, and your pain may get a bit worse the first few days before resolving. It can take between 7 and 10 days for your pain to subside. If you have pain that is severe or keeps getting worse, you should be checked by your doctor right away.
Always follow the specific directions your doctor provides to you for your recovery and take note of the emergency directions and contact information should you need it.
Discomfort That Can Happen During Your Recovery
It is normal to experience some discomfort while you are healing from endovenous radiofrequency ablation. The RF energy damages the vein, which causes it to stick together and seals the unhealthy vein shut. Your body gradually breaks down and absorbs that vein, and it will normally become significantly less noticeable or entirely gone.
During your recovery, you may see or feel:
- Tenderness where the vein was treated.
- Bruising surrounding the treatment area.
- Mild swelling.
- A pulling or tight cord-like feeling where the vein was located.
- Some redness or firmness.
- Noticeable discomfort that gets slightly worse for a little over a week just after your treatment.
Experts from Cambridge University Hospital explained that the soreness may be most noticeable about 5 to 10 days after vein RFA and that some patients develop a temporary cord-like area as the vein heals. Not everyone will experience this because everyone recovers differently.
Your Pain May Temporarily Increase
Sometimes you may have an increase in discomfort that is considered normal during the first part of your healing process. Some of the reasons why include:
- The treated vein is irritated and becomes inflamed as it is closing up.
- The site where the catheter was inserted is still healing.
- You had more than one vein treated at the same time, which is adding to your soreness.
- Your compression stocking does not fit properly, bunches up, or rolls and causes irritation.
Increases in pain need to be addressed right away
An increase in pain is not always harmless, so it is important to pay attention to your symptoms and if they change. It is time to contact your doctor right away if you notice:
- Pain that keeps getting progressively worse instead of gradually getting better.
- You are unable to manage your pain by following your approved recovery plan.
- The treated area becomes redder, warmer, swollen or begins draining.
- Fever or chills
- You have new numb areas or ongoing numbness, or burning, or are feeling weak.
- Your compression stockings are causing severe pain, numbness, or discoloration.
- Symptoms that are very different from what you were told you could expect.
When To Seek Emergency Care
It is time to seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe calf pain where one leg becomes significantly swollen.
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Fainting
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Your foot or leg that becomes pale, blue, cold, or difficult to move
Some Problems Your Doctor May Need To Rule Out
Sometimes, there are less common issues that are serious but need to be ruled out, such as:
- Superficial vein inflammation
- Infection
- A blood clot
- An irritated or injured nerve.
- Bleeding or blood that has collected under the skin.
- A vein that was not completely treated or a reopened vein.
What To Do If Your Pain Worsens
It’s important to follow your specific aftercare plan and review it often to ensure you know what to do if your pain increases.
- Keep track of when your pain started, and whether it’s getting better or worse.
- Make notes about swelling, redness, fever, numbness or breathing symptoms, so you can easily relay these to your doctor.
- Don’t miss your follow-up visits or any scheduled ultrasounds. It is important to follow your specific aftercare plan and review it often to ensure you know what to do if your pain increases.
Avoid trying to diagnose and treat yourself without guidance from your doctor. It is important that you reach out to your doctor immediately if you are having issues and that you do not make any changes to your recovery plan on your own.
This means do not change your medication, stop wearing your compression stockings, apply heat, massage a painful calf, remain inactive for long periods of time, or try to return to strenuous exercise or tasks before you are cleared.
Does Increased Pain Mean The Treatment Failed?
No. Feeling more pain does not automatically mean the treated vein is not closing or that the procedure didn’t work. Feelings of pain can be different for everyone, so it is not a reliable way to judge your results. If your doctor needs to understand what is causing your symptoms, a duplex ultrasound can provide much better information about how the treated vein is healing.
Where Can I Learn More About Radiofrequency Ablation For Leg Veins?
Board-certified Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brendon Curtis offer sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation treatments for varicose veins and venous insufficiency in Alpharetta and the greater Atlanta area in Georgia.
If varicose veins are causing you discomfort, pain, or embarrassment, you do not have to continue to suffer. Set up a consultation with the experts at Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute LESI today.
FAQs
How Long Does the Pain Last After Leg Vein Radiofrequency Ablation?
Your discomfort may last anywhere from 7 to 10 days, but your level of discomfort can vary depending on the extent of your treatment or if you had more than one area treated at the same time. If your pain becomes severe or does not gradually get better after the initial 10 days, contact your doctor for guidance.
Should I Keep Walking if My Leg Hurts?
It depends. Walking is part of your recovery plan after having a vein ablation, but you need to follow the guidelines provided by your doctor. If you have severe calf pain, extreme swelling, chest pain, or trouble breathing, you need immediate medical attention and should not try to walk through the pain.
Can Pain Get Worse Several Days After Vein RFA?
Yes. Some people notice soreness becoming more noticeable several days after their procedure as their vein starts to heal. Pain that continues to become severe or is compounded by other concerning symptoms should be reported to your doctor right away for evaluation.
When Should I Call My Doctor After Vein RFA?
If you experience concerning symptoms, like your pain continues to get worse, the treatment areas are becoming darker red, warm to the touch, swollen, or oozing, or you develop a fever, it is time to call your doctor.
