After varicose vein treatment: your first two weeks

Walking is part of the treatment. Here is what is normal, what helps and when to call.

Walk on the same day: a short walk every hour while awake keeps blood moving in the deep veins. Wear the compression stocking for as long as you were advised, and return to desk work within a day or two.

Bruising, a pulling feeling along the treated vein and a firm, tender cord under the skin are all normal. They fade over two to three weeks. Simple painkillers help.

For about two weeks, avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, long hot baths and saunas. Call the clinic if the pain gets worse instead of better, if your calf becomes swollen, or if you develop a fever. You will be seen again for a follow-up scan to confirm the vein has closed.