Soft Needles: The Future of Painless Injections and Less Stressful Medical Visits

Needles have long been a source of fear and discomfort for many of us. The memory of a painful injection or a stressful blood draw can linger, making us anxious about future medical visits. It's not just the procedure itself, but the anticipation and dread that comes with it. For some, this fear can be overwhelming, turning routine check-ups into daunting tasks.

However, researchers have been working to change this story. They've developed soft needles that aim to make medical procedures less painful and stressful. By reducing discomfort and fear, these soft needles could mark a significant shift in healthcare, making treatments more comfortable and less intimidating for patients.

What exactly are these soft needles?

Soft needles are a new kind of medical tool. They're different from the needles you might be used to seeing at the doctor's office. These needles are designed to be gentler on your body when you get a shot or have blood drawn.

When soft needles go into your skin, they become softer and more flexible. This helps them move with your body's tissues without causing as much pain or damage. These special needles are made with a liquid metal called gallium inside a soft silicone cover. The gallium is solid at room temperature, but when it enters your body and feels your body heat, it melts. This makes the needle become soft and bendable inside you, which is why it's gentler than regular needles. ⁽¹⁾

MedBound Times reached out to Dr. Chahna Desai, an anesthetist, to know her thoughts about soft needles and here's what she had to say:

Gallium or soft needles are made of gallium which melts once it is inserted in the vein due to body temperature. Since it deforms on being inserted, it is a single use needle only, says Dr. Chahna Desai.

Are there specific conditions where soft needles are preferred?

Soft needles are especially helpful in certain situations. For people who are very scared of needles, these softer needles can make medical procedures less frightening. They also work well for injections in sensitive areas, as they cause less damage to tissues.

Soft needles are beneficial for children, who might be more sensitive to pain and fear. They're also useful for people with fragile veins, as they are gentler and less likely to cause complications. Additionally, for those who need frequent injections, soft needles can help reduce discomfort and tissue damage over time. ⁽²⁾

Are soft needles suitable for all types of injections?

Soft needles are not suitable for all types of injections. They are mainly used for intravenous (IV) treatments, where they can help reduce tissue damage and make patients more comfortable. They're also beneficial for people who are scared of needles or need long-term IV access.

However, traditional rigid needles are still better for some types of injections. For example, if precision is needed, like in cosmetic procedures, rigid needles are preferred. Additionally, in certain areas of their body, traditional needles might be safer due to the anatomy. Soft needles are still a new technology, and more research is needed to see where they can be used best. ⁽³⁾

References:

1. Technology Networks. 2025. "An Intravenous Needle That Softens in the Body on Insertion." Technology Networks, March 19, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/an-intravenous-needle-that-softens-in-the-body-on-insertion-381055.

2. New Scientist. 2025. "Flexible Needle Goes Soft After Injections for Safety and Comfort." New Scientist, March 19, 2025. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403047-flexible-needle-goes-soft-after-injections-for-safety-and-comfort/.

3. Euronews. 2023. "Scared of Injections? New IV Needle Designed to Go Soft in the Body Could Be Safer and Hurt Less." Euronews, December 12, 2023. Accessed March 19, 2025. https://www.euronews.com/health/2023/12/12/scared-of-injections-new-iv-needle-designed-to-go-soft-in-the-body-could-be-safer-and-hurt.

By Dr. Iqra Momin

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