Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins, commonly on the legs. It involves injecting a specialized solution (sclerosant) directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and seal shut. The body then naturally absorbs the closed vein, rerouting blood flow through healthier vessels. Because the success of this treatment relies heavily on the vein remaining closed while the body heals, careful management of post-procedure activity is necessary. Following specific guidelines for movement and rest is paramount to maximizing the treatment’s effectiveness and ensuring a smooth recovery.
The Role of Immediate Movement
Immediately following sclerotherapy, light movement is mandatory for recovery. Patients are typically advised to walk for 20 to 30 minutes right after the treatment session to encourage healthy circulation. This immediate activity prevents blood from pooling and supports the sclerosant in fully closing the treated vessels.
The muscle contraction from walking acts as a calf-muscle pump, pushing blood back toward the heart. This reduces the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), making stimulating blood flow a central focus of immediate aftercare. This light movement should continue throughout the first 24 to 48 hours, avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing still.
Wearing prescribed compression stockings or bandages continuously during this initial phase is equally important. The compression applies gentle pressure to the treated veins, keeping them collapsed and minimizing the risk of re-opening. For the first one to three days, the garment should remain on almost constantly, often including overnight, as directed by the physician.
Activity Restrictions in the Initial Recovery Phase
While light walking is encouraged, most other forms of physical exertion must be avoided during the first five to seven days after the procedure. Strenuous activities increase the pressure within the veins, which can disrupt the healing process of the treated vessel walls. Activities that involve heavy lifting should be avoided for at least one week.
Lifting heavy objects or performing exercises requiring significant abdominal bracing, such as crunches or intense resistance training, must be temporarily suspended. This straining increases intra-abdominal pressure, which can force blood backward into the leg veins and compromise the closure of the treated vessels. Even certain yoga or Pilates poses that involve inverted positions or intense core work should be put on hold.
Exposure to high heat is another major restriction during this initial recovery period, often for the first week. This includes avoiding hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and very hot baths or showers. Heat causes vasodilation, meaning blood vessels expand, which can cause the recently closed veins to dilate and reopen, undoing the treatment’s effect. Excessive sun exposure should also be avoided on the treated areas, as UV light can lead to inflammation or temporary skin discoloration.
Reintroducing High-Impact and Strenuous Exercise
Once the initial recovery period has passed, typically after the first week, a gradual return to more vigorous exercise can begin. High-impact activities and heavy resistance training are restricted for a longer period to ensure the treated veins are fully sealed. Specialists advise waiting at least one to two weeks before resuming moderate-intensity exercises, and two to four weeks for high-impact activities.
Activities to hold off on include running, jogging, jumping, intense cycling, and prolonged, heavy weightlifting. The repetitive pounding and increased strain these activities place on the legs can overwhelm the healing veins and potentially lead to complications like bruising. The timeline for clearance depends on the size and number of veins treated, so personalized medical advice is necessary before restarting these activities.
When resuming exercise, start slowly and listen carefully to the body, immediately stopping any activity that causes pain, swelling, or discomfort. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of workouts over several weeks is the safest approach. Continuing to wear compression garments during exercise, even after the initial recovery period, can provide added support and improve circulation.