How to Know when Your Vein Has Collapsed
Look for changes around the injection site., Inspect the injection site., Avoid scratching at the injection site., Understand long term effects.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Look for changes around the injection site.
Common symptoms of a collapsed vein are discoloration, tenderness, and swelling.
Monitor the area where the needle was inserted for atypical bruising, discoloration, or sensitivity to touch.A large collapsed vein may also cause extremities such as hands or feet to feel cold, but this is typically more a symptom of a collapsed artery, which is a different and more critical issue. -
Step 2: Inspect the injection site.
If your vein has collapsed, you’ll experience sharp pain at the injection site.
The site may also bruise, or appear black and blue.
The injection site may also become itchy., If the injection site begins to itch, this is actually a good sign.
While it confirms that the vein was collapsed, the itching indicates that blood is starting to reopen the vein and recirculate.
Scratching the itch, however, can interrupt this process and risks permanently damaging the vein., Nearly every intravenous drug user will experience a collapsed vein at some point during their drug use.
Often, veins will reopen on their own.
When they do not, serious, permanent health complications can follow, including inadequate circulation.Ultimately, very little can be done about a collapsed vein.
As such, it is vital to focus on preventing your veins from collapsing. -
Step 3: Avoid scratching at the injection site.
-
Step 4: Understand long term effects.
Detailed Guide
Common symptoms of a collapsed vein are discoloration, tenderness, and swelling.
Monitor the area where the needle was inserted for atypical bruising, discoloration, or sensitivity to touch.A large collapsed vein may also cause extremities such as hands or feet to feel cold, but this is typically more a symptom of a collapsed artery, which is a different and more critical issue.
If your vein has collapsed, you’ll experience sharp pain at the injection site.
The site may also bruise, or appear black and blue.
The injection site may also become itchy., If the injection site begins to itch, this is actually a good sign.
While it confirms that the vein was collapsed, the itching indicates that blood is starting to reopen the vein and recirculate.
Scratching the itch, however, can interrupt this process and risks permanently damaging the vein., Nearly every intravenous drug user will experience a collapsed vein at some point during their drug use.
Often, veins will reopen on their own.
When they do not, serious, permanent health complications can follow, including inadequate circulation.Ultimately, very little can be done about a collapsed vein.
As such, it is vital to focus on preventing your veins from collapsing.
About the Author
Jesse Perry
A seasoned expert in education and learning, Jesse Perry combines 2 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Jesse's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: