I'm athletic, in good shape, and have always had excellent flexibility. I am concerned because 4 weeks after endovenous laser treatment my knees are better but not "normal." I cannot bend them all the way (calf to thigh) without tightness/discomfort. My Dr. hasn't been helpful. When will the tightness/discomfort resolve?
There can be a sensation of tightness in the residual vein treated especially in the thigh. I have my patients begin massage with Dermaka or Arnica cream immediately after the procedure with a little firm pressure. The speeds up the resolution of the inflammation caused by the laser and numbing. Perhaps you could try the massage over the area from groin to knee (if it was the long saphenous) applying some pressure. Do this several times per day. Gradually increase your stretching each day and it should heal faster. Maybe taking some kind of OTC anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Aleve several times per day for a few days also. My patients find the massage very soothing even in the early stages post procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It really depends on the size of the vein closed, but tightness or a pulling sensation in the thighs can occur for 3-6 months after a closure procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No need for concern. Just think of it like a tube in your leg that was shut off from both sides with no where for that blood to go. It just takes time for that to be reabsorbed into your body.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you describe is common post-EVLT, especially around the knee joint where the saphenous vein is close to the skin. Bending of the knee area can cause discomfort due to the contracting of the treated saphenous vein. This will improve over time but may take as long as 4 to 6 months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The tightness you speak of is due to scarring that occurs after thermal ablation of the vein, usually the great saphenous vein, which runs along the inner thigh to the inner ankle. Typically, the segment of the vein that is treated goes from the groin to just below the knee.
Four weeks is really too short a time to really be too concerned about tightness. Just with any scars of the body, it takes time for the body to soften and reabsorb the scar tissue. It could take many months for the discomfort to resolve.
In the meantime, doing leg stretches is helpful. Although not as severe, the vein ablation scarring is analogous to, say, shoulder or knee surgery. There will be post-surgical scarring and stiffness that needs to be overcome by physical therapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Our body makes scar formation over 3 months, and it takes another 3 months to break it down. To assist with this process, you need to do more stretching exercises.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Healing times vary between patients, so it is hard to say when the tightness and discomfort will resolve in your case. In some cases, it takes several months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It usually takes a month or two for the tightness/discomfort to resolve after EVLT.
Published on Jul 11, 2012