Overview

Regional anesthesia uses medicines to block pain from an area of the body, such as an arm or leg or the belly. It's used in many procedures. Examples of some procedures include hand or foot surgeries and total joint replacements of the knee, hip, or shoulder. It may also be used during childbirth.

There are several types of regional anesthesia. They can be given near the spine, near a nerve, or in a vein.

Regional anesthesia can also help relieve pain after surgery. It can reduce your need for other pain medicine.

Serious side effects aren't common. But if nerve damage happens, it can cause long-term numbness, weakness, or pain.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow all instructions from your doctor about how to take care of the area that was numbed.
• Be careful not to injure the area while it's still numb.
  • If you move the area, move it slowly and carefully.
  • Be careful with hot and cold. Since you won't feel pain, it's easier for damage from heat or cold to happen.
• If your doctor leaves a small tube in place to help you stay numb after your procedure, follow your doctor's instructions about how to use it and take care of it.