Why Veins Get Sore After Having Blood Drawn

Whether you are donating blood or getting blood tests, when cold, hard steel mixes with delicate inner tissues and veins, many things can go wrong. If you experience unusual or prolonged pain after getting blood drawn, you may be at risk for a rare but serious condition.

Considerations

• Careless and untrained technicians are at fault in many cases.

  Under-trained or careless technicians might cause damage to your veins, tendons or nerves with improper needle insertion. Make sure the technician is certified and stop the procedure if you feel intense pain.

Features

• Different-sized needles are used for different procedures.

  Having blood drawn requires a larger needle than blood tests, causing a higher rate of donor injuries. Nerve damage and chronic pain are the most common symptoms.

Expert Insight

• According to Dr. Spero Cataland of the Ohio State University College of Medicine, minor pain and irritation is normal for up to 12 hours, but if pain is severe or prolonged you should contact a physician.

Identification

• According to WebMD, swollen or bleeding veins are a rare and potentially serious condition that can result from bleeding disorders and certain medications.

Warning

• Some needle injuries cause dangerous invisible bleeding and even lifelong disabilities. If you lose sensation, motor control and suffer from persistent pain, surgery might be the only solution.