Sclerotherapy for Varicose Veins: Is It Painful?

Sclerotherapy is the process of using a fine needle to inject a solution directly into the vein. The sclerotherapy solution causes the vein to scar, forcing blood to reroute through healthier veins. Through this process, the treated vein is reabsorbed into surrounding tissue and eventually fades from the surface of the skin within a few weeks. 

Painful Varicose Veins

Varicose veins, characterized by enlarged and twisted veins filled with excess blood, can be both a cosmetic concern and a source of discomfort. The condition primarily affects women and is commonly observed in individuals with obesity or during pregnancy. While varicose veins are most commonly found on the lower legs, they can occur elsewhere on the body as well.

Beyond their unsightly appearance, varicose veins can cause painful symptoms that significantly impact daily life. These symptoms may include:

• Aching: Varicose veins often contribute to a persistent, dull ache in the affected area, leading to discomfort throughout the day.

• Swelling: The accumulation of excess blood in the veins can result in swelling or edema in the surrounding tissues, adding to the discomfort.

• Burning Sensation: Some individuals with varicose veins may experience a burning or tingling sensation in the affected area, adding to their discomfort.

• Heaviness: Varicose veins can cause a sensation of heaviness in the legs, making it challenging to carry out daily activities with ease.

• Night Cramps: Varicose veins may lead to nocturnal leg cramps, causing sudden, painful muscle contractions during sleep.

• Ulcers or Sores: In severe cases, varicose veins can lead to the development of ulcers or open sores on the skin, requiring medical attention.

• Rash: Skin irritation, such as redness or itchiness, may occur due to varicose veins and the compromised circulation associated with the condition.

Sclerotherapy For Varicose Veins 

Sclerotherapy for varicose veins is a great treatment option for people with this vascular disorder. It is highly effective at reducing the appearance of the veins and treating the symptoms associated with them. Sclerotherapy is safe and results in very few serious complications. There are some mild side effects that are commonly experienced by sclerotherapy patients, but they generally subside within a couple of days to weeks after treatment. They include: 

• Bruising
• Skin irritation 
• Small sores at the injection site 
• Skin discoloration 

Side effects that are moderate to severe, although rare, may require further treatment from your doctor. They include: 

• Inflammation. This can be in the form of visible swelling or a warm feeling around the injection site. It can usually be treated with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Advil.
• Blood clot or “blood trapping”. A tiny blood clot may form in a treated vein and will need to be drained by your doctor. These are usually harmless. Your doctor will release the trapped blood using a fine needle. 
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious blood clot condition and can become fatal if it’s not treated immediately. DVT happens when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. This creates a blockage called a pulmonary embolism (PE) and this is an emergent situation. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain and tightness, dizziness, and coughing up blood.

Is the sclerotherapy process painful? Well, the procedure involves a needle, which can spur anxiety in some patients. However, the procedure is otherwise very easily tolerated. Some patients experience minor stinging sensations when the needle is inserted into the vein. Pain may also occur if the sclerotherapy solution leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue. Generally, the procedure shouldn’t be painful, so if you are experiencing a lot of pain, indicate that to your doctor immediately. 

Sclerotherapy Treatments 

Performing surgeries since 1988, the BASS Vein Center offers five different vascular procedures or vein treatments. These procedures include Conservative Vein Treatment, Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy, VenaSeal™, Sclerotherapy, and Ambulatory Phlebectomy. 

The BASS Vein Center offers 7 convenient locations. The major cities we serve include Alameda, Alamo, Antioch, Berkeley, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Oakland, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek. Our offices treat a variety of conditions, from varicose veins to spider veins and even chronic venous disease. Over the course of 15 years, our offices have completed more than 24,000 vein procedures. We have six vascular surgeons and four general surgeons at The Vein Center. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert vein doctors to get started with sclerotherapy treatments today.