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Nerve block: advice for patients
You have had a nerve block. We injected local anaesthetic near a nerve to stop you feeling pain. The area will feel numb and heavy.
Protect the numb area
- Heat: you will not feel burns. Keep the area away from radiators, hot water bottles and hot drinks.
- Pressure: you will not feel pressure damage. Change position regularly and do not rest the limb on hard edges.
- Injury: use your sling or splint if you were given one. Do not put weight on a numb leg.
Pain relief
The numbness usually wears off within 6 to 18 hours. Take your pain relief before the numbness has gone completely. If you wait until the pain comes back, it is harder to control.
Tell a nurse or doctor straight away, or come back to the Emergency Department, if you have
- ringing in your ears, a metallic taste in your mouth, or blurred vision
- muscle twitching, severe agitation or confusion
- numbness lasting more than 48 hours without getting better
- severe pain coming back quickly that your tablets do not control
