Looking after your arm and hand after a nerve block procedure
Local anaesthetic nerve blocks are quite safe and complications are uncommon however, please follow the advice below to help look after your arm after a nerve block procedure.
Your arm may feel numb for 12-24 hours and, as the local anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to feel pins and needles. Please follow the advice below until the numbness has worn off.
DO
- Wear a sling or support (if given one) as instructed or until the block has worn off
- Take your painkillers regularly, as instructed, before the block wears off to help reduce potential discomfort when the feeling does come back
- Be careful of touching or standing close to radiators or fires to avoid burns or other injuries as you will be unable to feel temperature or pressure normally until the block wears off
- Be careful around young children or pets who may not understand your arm is numb and could accidentally injure it
Don’t
- Attempt to drive, operate machinery or domestic appliances while your arm is still numb
- Attempt to lift anything
- Sleep or lie on the numb arm
- Over-extend joints or place your numb arm in awkward positions
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Day Surgery Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital on 01324 567 537.
You should also contact the Unit if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Numbness lasting longer than 48 hours
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Abnormal swelling of your fingers or feet
- Any abnormal colour changes of your hands/feet or fingers/toes
- Pain that is not controlled by your tablets
Additional Information & References
- Looking after your arm and hand after a nerve block information for patients – The Rotherham NHS Trust
- Upper Limb Nerve Block Leaflet – NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde