Is it possible to bruise your vein

For more information on vein diseases and the treatments provided by the specialists at Palm Vein Center or to make an appointment, call We look forward to meeting you! Skip to main content. Elevation- Keep the affected area above or at heart level. For example, a person can inform a doctor or nurse if their veins have ruptured in the past. In most cases, blown veins heal with no complications.

Signs that a blown vein requires further treatment include:. If a person uses an IV line at home, they or their caregiver should monitor for signs of infiltration. These include :. Quick treatment is important, so a person should contact a doctor as soon as they notice any of these signs. Blown veins occur when a needle injures or irritates a vein, causing blood to leak into the surrounding area. In some cases, IV fluid or medication may also leak from the vein.

Blown veins are usually not serious and will heal with treatment. A doctor or nurse may use pressure or ice to reduce any swelling.

It is not uncommon for a person to bruise after a blood draw. Read this article to learn more about why this happens and how to reduce the bruising.

Minor bleeding into the skin is common and often the result of an injury. Learn about causes of bleeding into the skin, bruising, diagnosis, and…. Spider veins are smaller and thinner than varicose veins and usually appear on the face or legs. They are generally painless and do not cause any…. Often the result of an accident or injury, a vascular trauma can be mild, moderate, or severe. Some common symptoms of vascular trauma are bleeding, bruising, and fractured bones.

The experts in the UPMC Division of Vascular Surgery provide the latest treatments for vascular trauma, from minor injuries to emergencies. Vascular trauma can go away on its own, but severe instances may require surgery.

Sometimes, these injuries involve a tear or puncture that causes blood loss. Other times they cause damage to the vessel from crushing or twisting. Anyone can experience vascular trauma because of an injury — whether intentional or unintentional. Scarring or incomplete healing can cause permanent weakness in the artery or vein, which makes it more prone to future injury. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.

If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.

You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment. If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Home Treatment If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rest and protect a bruised area. Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility.

Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments. Compression , or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage such as an Ace wrap , will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage.

Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present. Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.

Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.

Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise. Witch hazel may help heal damaged veins. Arnica may stimulate healing. Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.

For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: A bruise lasts longer than 2 weeks. Signs of skin infection develop. Symptoms become more severe or frequent. New symptoms develop. Prevention You can't always prevent bruises , but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern.

If you take aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , or blood-thinning medicines anticoagulants , keep regular appointments with your doctor so that he or she can monitor your medicine dosages and make any necessary changes or adjustments.

Eat a variety of foods to avoid dietary deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, or B12, or folic acid can affect blood clotting. Include a daily selection of: Whole-grain and enriched breads, cereals, and grain products. Milk, cheese, and yogurt. Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, and tofu. Do not take dietary supplements that may increase bruising, particularly if you take a blood-thinning medicine. Dietary supplements that may increase bruising include fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba.

Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or clergy or a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor if you suspect abuse. Seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Seek help if you have trouble controlling your anger with a child in your care. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions: Do you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders or bruising easily?

Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines? Bring a complete list of your medicines with you to your appointment. Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements? Describe your diet. Have you had any recent injuries or blood transfusions?

Have you had any nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, unusual or unexpected heavy menstrual flow, or fever? Have you had any recent illness or changes in your health? Have you recently traveled outside the country or to a rural area? Do you have any health risks?