HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Burning Pain In The Wrist After Radial Catheterization?

default
Posted on Sat, 29 Apr 2017
Question: I had a radial catheterization 8 days ago. I have increasing burning pain from my wrist up my forearm. This is significantly worse when I lie down to sleep. In this position, just barely raising my arm or wiggling my fingers causes pretty major pain, that eventually subsides if I get up, raise the arm and wait awhile. I have been back to my cardiologist, but he is not alarmed. I am because the pain is getting worse, and the incidents of heavy pain (when reclining) last longer. What is possibly causing this? What possible treatment?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Two possible reasons explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir

After reading your query I understand your concern as it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes pain could be unbearable. Am Dr Bhanu partap and I am a cardiology practitioner. Here I will try to guide you...

Radial access for doing cardiac XXXXXXX is increasingly becoming popular as it allows the patients for early mobility and less discomfort as compared to femoral access. But it has its own disadvantages or complications.

Pain in arm after XXXXXXX could be due to 3 important causes:

1. Radial artery spasm : this in your case is not the possible cause as it happens during the procedure or within few mins after completing.

2. Radial artery occlusion: if you have numbness in your hand along with pain or if you see some discolouration in your forearm like a bruise then this could be the cause in your case. But as you have met your cardiologist and he has seen you then this must not be the cause with you as if some hematoma is there then that could have been easily identified by your doctor and even you would have mentioned it in here.

3. The most likely cause which I feel is with your case is a radial nerve injury which although is rare but can happen. This also produces symptoms like your.

Advise: Two tests need to be done

1. Radial artery color doppler to see any problem in the blood flow or any obstruction

2. Radial nerve conduction study which should be done by a neurologist.

So its advisable to consult with your treating doctor and get these tests done as it's important to figure out and treat it on time.
If it's a nerve injury then some nerve supplements will help in recovery and if it's an occlusion them it needs treatment as per test results.

I hope this information will be helpful and will guide you properly.

If you have any more doubts you can ask me back or else you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (32 minutes later)
Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Partap. I did fail to mention the major hematoma on my forearm and up to and including my elbow. My cardiologist is well aware of the hematoma, which began immediately after the surgery. He does not seem too concerned about it, and advises warm compress and tylenol for the pain. It is painful if I press on it. But I'm wondering if in addition to that, I need to be checked for radial nerve injury. The intense pain with only a slight move of my arm or fingers, when I have been reclining for awhile -- can that be explained by a radial artery occlusion alone? Thank you very much for your advice!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Presence of haematoma explains everything

Detailed Answer:
Hello Again

Presence of hematoma explains all of your symptoms, no need to go for nerve conduction study.

If it's a big hematoma then surely it's gonna take couple of more days to get resolved as the blood which have been extravasated in the tissue takes a while to get absorbed back.

Things to do: Along With Hot Compresses YOU Need To tie a pressure crape bandage over your haematoma along with that you need to apply local ointments like Thrombophob which basically contains Heparin that will help the blood clot to dissolve early. Keep on taking the pain killer as advised. Hopefully you will be fine within a couple of days. And yes one more important thing is to keep your arm elevated while lying down with the help of two three pillows.

Hope to be helpful. If you have any more doubts you can ask me back or else you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer. In future if you have any doubts and if you want me to help you then you can directly ask me through my profile.

I wish you quick recovery and good health.

Kind regards
Dr Bhanu partap
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (38 minutes later)
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX Partap. You have really helped me in your reply, and I will write again if I feel I need to.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
It's a pleasure

Detailed Answer:
It's a pleasure to help someone in need. Take care of yourself.

Kindly close and rate the discussion.

Kind Regards
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bhanu Partap

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 4758 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Burning Pain In The Wrist After Radial Catheterization?

Brief Answer: Two possible reasons explained below Detailed Answer: Hello sir After reading your query I understand your concern as it can be very uncomfortable and sometimes pain could be unbearable. Am Dr Bhanu partap and I am a cardiology practitioner. Here I will try to guide you... Radial access for doing cardiac XXXXXXX is increasingly becoming popular as it allows the patients for early mobility and less discomfort as compared to femoral access. But it has its own disadvantages or complications. Pain in arm after XXXXXXX could be due to 3 important causes: 1. Radial artery spasm : this in your case is not the possible cause as it happens during the procedure or within few mins after completing. 2. Radial artery occlusion: if you have numbness in your hand along with pain or if you see some discolouration in your forearm like a bruise then this could be the cause in your case. But as you have met your cardiologist and he has seen you then this must not be the cause with you as if some hematoma is there then that could have been easily identified by your doctor and even you would have mentioned it in here. 3. The most likely cause which I feel is with your case is a radial nerve injury which although is rare but can happen. This also produces symptoms like your. Advise: Two tests need to be done 1. Radial artery color doppler to see any problem in the blood flow or any obstruction 2. Radial nerve conduction study which should be done by a neurologist. So its advisable to consult with your treating doctor and get these tests done as it's important to figure out and treat it on time. If it's a nerve injury then some nerve supplements will help in recovery and if it's an occlusion them it needs treatment as per test results. I hope this information will be helpful and will guide you properly. If you have any more doubts you can ask me back or else you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer. Kind regards Dr Bhanu partap