Rolling Veins in Arms & Hands Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

When a vein is not anchored properly during blood collection, it rolls or slips sideways then it is termed as rolling vein. It may occur in any patient. This rolling of veins can be prevented by keeping our body well hydrated. It only occurs during IV administration of medication or taking blood samples for test. So there are some techniques, by using them, the rolling veins can be avoided. In case of rolling veins, blood cannot be draw properly from body. Mostly nurses face problem while taking samples. There is another condition named blown veins, it is a bit different condition from rolling veins.

Rolling Veins in Arms and Hands

Mostly rolling veins are seen in arms and hands. As the main region used for taking blood sample, is the arm and hands. As arms and hands are the most feasible site for the blood sampling. There is a network of veins in arms and hand which is closely packed. In that case, finding the exact vein for blood sampling is difficult. There are higher chances of rolling vein and blown vein. In-fact for rolling veins, arms and hands are the most common site. Other than these, rolling vein may occur at thigh while blood sampling.

Rolling Veins Symptoms

Talking about the symptoms of rolling veins, pain is the most common one reported till now. Other symptoms which are associated with it include itching and burning of veins. Patient may experience thrombing and cramping in thighs and around the veins. To cover up these local symptoms, some exercises will help. These exercises include lifting up of legs and wearing compensation stockings. Some other prevention are also used to ease the pain and other symptoms. All These above mentioned symptoms are localized and does not spread to the whole body.

Rolling Veins Causes

There may be very minor causes behind it. These causes may include inappropriate technique to inject syringe in vein. The vein is not properly  anchored by nurse. People who are not well hydrated have greater chances of rolling vein. Nurses who are under training, mostly face this rolling veins during injecting syringe in vein. It usually occur on arms and hands and thighs where is the rich supply of blood in veins. Finding the right vein is a difficult task and holding it at a place and does not allow it to slip is also a very difficult task.

Rolling Veins Treatment

There are some tricks which can be followed to avoid rolling veins. A thick torniquet should be used by professionals to hold the veins at one place. Patient's arm should be placed on a flat surface right in front of him. Pressure should be applied firmly on the veins in order to make the vein anchored. Then needle should be inserted in anchored vein. Use of winged infusion set is designed to avoid rolling veins while taking blood sample. This special set has wings on both sides which helps a lot in holding the vein at one place and the sampling becomes easy.