I have a varicose vein wrapping around the nerve in the tarsal tunnel. Is vein stripping an option or is TT decompression surgery needed?

MRI and ultrasound show no other varicosities. Compression stockings were not helpful. Pain/numbness going on six years.

Answers from doctors (3)


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Mar 05, 2016

A venous duplex ultrasound with reflux assessment will help identify venous insufficiency. Then, seek a vascular surgery evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1196_1551115459.jpg
Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

A venous duplex ultrasound with reflux assessment will help identify venous insufficiency. Then, seek a vascular surgery evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 03, 2016

Given that the varicose vein is wrapped around the nerve, vein stripping could permanently damage the nerve. Another technique that can be considered is the use of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. This technique will allow the doc to inject the vein while also avoiding the nerve. Therefore, if your pain and numbness is secondary to the localized inflammation caused by the varicose vein, closing the vein down should eliminate the symptoms.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Given that the varicose vein is wrapped around the nerve, vein stripping could permanently damage the nerve. Another technique that can be considered is the use of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. This technique will allow the doc to inject the vein while also avoiding the nerve. Therefore, if your pain and numbness is secondary to the localized inflammation caused by the varicose vein, closing the vein down should eliminate the symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 03, 2016

Stripping is not an option. A venous duplex ultrasound should be of the leg. Sclerotherapy might be an option if it's felt that the vein is the problem, but usually decompression is the treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Stripping is not an option. A venous duplex ultrasound should be of the leg. Sclerotherapy might be an option if it's felt that the vein is the problem, but usually decompression is the treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Vein Ligation and Stripping

Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I had a vein stripped in April of 2012. Following the procedure, I continued to have major pain. An ultrasound found that another vein has varicosed in the same area (behind my knee). I was told that it has refluxed. How many times can you have the same leg worked on?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -6 answers
I had a vein ligation done on the saphenous vein about 2 months ago. Since then, I've worn compression stockings every day. The problem is that when I take them off or do not wear them for a period of time, my post-op leg burns, tingles, and aches. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
Thirty-seven days ago I had my left popliteal vein removed. I also had a ligation and stripping of some or part of the GSV that did not close adequately. I am still having severe swelling (1.5 inches larger at the ankle) D-dimer elevated greater than 1.0 but neg doppler. Is this normal? What should I do next?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had veins in both of my legs stripped from the groin down to the calf. The left leg is worse than the right. Three weeks after surgery, I've lost nearly 5 kg, have little to no appetite, feel nauseous when standing or walking, and still have pain in the left leg. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I have recently had Vein Stripping Surgery and was wondering if the dark purplish area where my ulcers were will ever return to normal color?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had varicose veins stripped from my left leg 18 months ago, but a long (5 inch) bruise remains on my inner thigh. It is painful when I press it, and occasionally it causes me pain when I am walking too. Should I be concerned?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -5 answers
I had a vein that ran from the middle of my left thigh and under my knee stripped. Six weeks after the second surgery, at the front of my calf, where the bulgy vein was visible, I can see some small lumps, soft to touch (less bulgy and hard than varicose vein was), but it’s there and looks sort of dark blue under the skin. I have no bruising elsewhere and no pain or discomfort. Might it be another vein or a vein that the doctor forgot to strip? Is it too early to tell?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had my vein stripped in March, 6 months later my ankle/foot is swollen and sore. When I wear my running shoes my foot feels fine but when I walk barefoot or with flip flops, my foot and ankle is quite sore. I am healthy and have NEVER had swelling before. Is this normal following vein stripping? What do I do?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
It has been 11 days since I had the veins in both legs stripped from my groin to my ankles. The procedure was performed on both legs at the same time. I have some soreness as expected, but the last few days the inside of one thigh seems to "tighten." I stand and stretch a minute and the tightness seems to go away. Is this normal?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had my varicose veins removed about 10 years ago. I started cycling and discovered a painful lump in the inside of my leg where the vein was removed. What should I do?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had a varicose vein ligated in 1971 and the surgeon left 4 metal clips behind. There are no medical records available. I have never had an MRI and need to know if an MRI study of the same area is safe.
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had vein stripping done on both legs 2 weeks ago. My right leg is numb from my knee to my ankle & I'm having severe pain in my ankle that shoots up my leg. The doctor has me on percocet, it's NOT helping. I can barely walk or drive. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
My doctor says it isn't dangerous and that surgery is at discretion. I don't plan to have more kids, but I don't want my sexual health compromised either! I want to avoid general anesthesia and prolonged recoveries. If I need to get this fixed, what are my options?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I have a large purple-blue vein near my left eye that puffs out. I am wondering if there is any way to safely remove it without hurting my eye?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I had varicose vein stripping & litigation a month ago. Following the procedure, I developed two hard lumps in my thigh. Now, there is a very hard vein in that same thigh, and it's sore. What is this? Could it be trapped blood or a new varicose vein?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I'm going to Cuba to see my daughter get married. I'm set to have a vein procedure on July 13th. My flight is on August 15th. Are there any precautions I should take? Are there any complications that could prevent me from taking the flight?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -1 answer
When the valves don't close in your veins, what are the treatments?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR