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Painful Hard Lump On IV Site On Arm, Spreading, Done CT Scan. Cause For Concern?
Posted on
Tue, 13 Sep 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 13 Sep 2011
Answered on
Mon, 4 Jun 2012
Last reviewed on
Question : I had an iv on Friday morning at the hospital for XXXXXXX for a CT scan. I just noticed last night a hard lump on my arm at the iv site. This morning it has spread to above the sight as well. It is painful to the touch, but not otherwise. Should I be concerned?
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
From your description, it seems that you have developed Superficial Thrombophlebitis as a result of the I.V. line inserted.
It is inflammation of the superficial veins of the arm.
For relief of your symptoms, you can follow some simple measures like-
* Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain
* Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.
* Raise the affected area to reduce swelling.
You can have mild pain killers like Acetaminophen for pain and inflammation. Applying Thrombophob ointment locally will also help to reduce the swelling.
If you develop fever, intense pain or the swelling spreads further proximally then it indicates infection and spreading of the venous clot in that case you need to consult your physician immediately.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. I will be available for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
From your description, it seems that you have developed Superficial Thrombophlebitis as a result of the I.V. line inserted.
It is inflammation of the superficial veins of the arm.
For relief of your symptoms, you can follow some simple measures like-
* Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain
* Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.
* Raise the affected area to reduce swelling.
You can have mild pain killers like Acetaminophen for pain and inflammation. Applying Thrombophob ointment locally will also help to reduce the swelling.
If you develop fever, intense pain or the swelling spreads further proximally then it indicates infection and spreading of the venous clot in that case you need to consult your physician immediately.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. I will be available for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Jyoti Patil
Since I asked my first question, the swollen area has grown larger and I've noticed a much smaller lump a little below the big one. But, the big lump doesn't seem to have increased in size. Again, only painful when touched. Is there any need for further concern?
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
It seems that there is a slight extension of the inflammation. Please do a hot fomentation and apply thrombophob gel available over the counter at all the pharmacies. If it subsides by tomorrow, then you need not worry otherwise consulting your physician will be helpful.
Wishing you an early recovery.
Regards.
Thanks for writing again.
It seems that there is a slight extension of the inflammation. Please do a hot fomentation and apply thrombophob gel available over the counter at all the pharmacies. If it subsides by tomorrow, then you need not worry otherwise consulting your physician will be helpful.
Wishing you an early recovery.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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