What Causes Swelling And Bruises Of Hand And Wrist?

Posted on Sat, 21 Jun 2014

Question: Hi, about a month ago I went to the ER for severe stomache pain. Turns out I have ulcers. While I was in the ER I was hooked to an I.V. They checked my blood and the lab sent someone to take more because my blood had clotted. I was given pain medication three times through the tube hooked to the needle on the back of my hand. Each time it was administered, the nurse would push the medicine in by a syringe and the pain from that would get close to severe. Since then I have had pain not where the needle went in but in the same vein at the base of my hand and over my wrist. It is swollen with a black bruise at those points. I have also had another I.V. In the opposite hand two weeks ago and did not have any problems. Is this normal? How long should I wait before seeing a Doctor? This does interfere with my work as it hurts more when I bend my wrist.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thrombophlebitis

Detailed Answer:
Dear Friend.

Welcome to Healthcaremagic.

Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.

You have developed Thrombophlebitis of that vein, causing these bruises and discomfort.

It is not essential that all the veins which are used for IV injection get Thrombophlebitis.

This problem just requires following care:

1. To apply Thrombophobe ointment locally over the affected area.

2. To maintain cleanliness of the area.

3. Sometimes we also advise Anti inflammatory medications but won't advise in your case as you had gastric ulcers and these medications worsen them.

Applying this ointment would eventually lead to clearing of the bruises and pain would also subside.

If you develop increase in swelling or fever associated, then you need to visit a doctor.

This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any other query, you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar