![]() ![]() Bruising was one of the skin issues that was more commonly reported by people with RA than controls, though it was connected to the use of steroid medications. Skin abnormalities were reported by 61 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis compared to just 47 percent of people who had non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions in a study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. “I have three bruises right now on the inside of my thigh. ![]() “I get bruises from time to time and have no idea why,” CreakyJoints community member Stephanie A. Bruising is often a mystery to people with RA who wake up with new bruises without knowing the cause. If you’ve noticed blue, black, and green spots popping up randomly on your legs, you may feel less comfortable in your own skin (and tuck away your favorite pair of shorts). Despite best efforts, a blown vein can still happen.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and bruising commonly occur in tandem - for a variety of reasons. When finding the right vein is very difficult, ultrasound or other visualization devices are useful. Carefully withdraw the needle and apply gentle pressure to the site.Release the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle.Stabilize the vein by applying a thumb below the puncture site.Insert the needle at a 30-degree angle or less.Choose the correct needle size for the vein.If a tourniquet is used, it shouldn’t be too tight. For older adults, a blood pressure cuff may be preferable to the tourniquet. Use a tourniquet or other device to make the vein more visible.If it’s hard to find a vein, they should ask you to make a fist. Choose the best vein for the procedure: one that is a good size, straight, and visible.Your healthcare provider should take time to: If needles make you uncomfortable, face the other direction and focus on taking long, deep breaths until it’s over. ![]() You can help by remaining as still as you can during needle insertion. ![]() If your healthcare provider is taking a long time to prepare for needle insertion, it’s because they’re taking care not to blow a vein. Inform your healthcare provider of any previous problems with your veins. Unless advised not to, as would be the case before surgery, drink plenty of water before going for blood work or IV insertion. It’s easier to find a good vein if you’re well hydrated. They can roll around under the skin during IV insertion, increasing the risk of blowing a vein. AgeĪs we age, we start losing tissue beneath our skin, and our veins become more fragile and less stable. In time, accessing functioning veins can become problematic. For example, research shows that heroin’s acidity can damage veins. In addition to the repeated needle insertion that can blow veins, the substance you’re injecting can contribute to blown veins. It can also happen if you have a substance abuse problem and use needles. This can happen if you have a health problem that requires frequent use of IV drugs (for example, if you’re receiving chemotherapy for cancer and you don’t have a chemo port). IV drug use can damage veins and cause scar tissue to form, which can be permanent. That’s why it’s important to relax your arm and stay as still as you can until the needle is all the way in and the healthcare provider has loosened the tourniquet. If you move, even a little while the needle is going in, you run the risk of a blown vein. The needle might puncture the vein, but not get all the way in before the vein rolls, causing the vein to blow. As the healthcare provider attempts to insert the needle, this type of vein can bounce, or roll away. Some veins are a bit thicker and tougher than others. The needle should be pulled out and reinserted in a better location. If a vein can’t be entered on the first try, it’s important not to move the needle around in search of another vein. Being off the mark can result in a blown vein. Wrong angle or ‘fishing’Ī needle must be slowly inserted at the proper angle, not too shallow or too deep. Tell your nurse if you’ve had problems with particular veins in the past and how they were ultimately resolved. It’s important for a nurse to choose the best vein available and to identify the correct size of needle for that vein. Veins come in all sizes, and so do needles. There are several reasons this can happen. A vein gets blown when a needle goes into the vein and out through the other side. ![]()
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