What Causes Thrombophlebitis When Drawing Blood?

Posted on Thu, 20 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 Answered on

Wed, 9 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there. I had routine blood drAwn from my left elbow today. I'm used to this procedure, this time if hurt VERY bad. Not a pinch hurt, - painful throbbing "feels like it's hitting something" hurt. Almost unbearable. I told her but she just kept going. Right after, it's now swollen incredibly, - hard round bump seems to be formed, and its bruised and extremely painful to where I cannot straighten my arm...again, I'm used to getting blood drawn and never experienced this before. Help? There is hardness at the stick point that I've never had before. Swollen. Hard. Ball like. Pain. Can't move. Etc.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thrombophlebitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
It sounds like thrombophlebitis and this us common complication of blood drawing and usually is self limiting and heals within a week. Mild cases can be treated with cold compresses,arm elevation and ibuprofen. However,in your case there may be more severe infection or even abscess formation and you should have antibiotic therapy and ultrasound done to see if there is abscesses or infected hematoma. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad