Causes of Collapsed Veins
Collapsed veins are caused by chronic trauma form intravenous injections. Veins are temporarily not functional when they swell and resume when they subside. Permanent collapse is the result of any of the following:
- Long term use of a particular vein for drug injection.
- Use of blunt needles.
- Improper technique of intravenous injection.
- Injection of drugs that irritates the veins.
- Too much blood taken out from the vein due to the vacuum that is made when pulling the plunger. This causes the walls of the vein to stick together and occlude the vessel.
- Quickly removing the needle after injection.
- Peripheral vascular disease such as varicose veins.
- High blood pressure.
How to Determine If You Have It?
There are no or minimal collapsed veins symptoms. If present, they depend on the site and how large the vessel is. Usually there is:
- A sharp pain due to tissue damage
- A cold feeling on the extremities due to blockage of blood flow
- Itching
- Bluish discoloration on the site
Home Remedies for Healing Collapsed Veins
It is always important to know the etiology of the presenting condition.
- Temporary collapsed veins do not need any special treatment except to stop injecting at that particular site for it to rest and the swelling to subside.
- Unfortunately, when it is permanently collapsed it cannot go back to its original state. A revascularization process (formation of new blood vessels) will happen. Make sure that the site is properly rested to allow optimum vessel replacement.
- For peripheral vascular disease, you can use compression stockings (should be worn in the morning before getting up from bed) and leg elevation.
- Fluid management and foods low in fat.
- Rest your vein by rotating sites for injection.