Painful hand and sudden bruising

[Deniseelk]

I have RA and my right wrist has been damaged with broadly “ bone on bone” due to deterioration. I have finally pretty much got inflammation under control and therefore pain minimal. However, since mid August tiredness and general body pains and morning stiffness creeping back in. Lots of bloods and GP visits ( plus 1 RA nurse visit) but only low Vit D detected.

This week, rather painful right hand started with weakness. Pain mainly down side of hand running up to little finger. Had to resort to wearing compression stocking tube as so painful. Naproxen does not seem to barely touch the pain!

Today I could see it was looking a little swollen but not hot. The pads on the palm side of my little finger and ring fingers when lightly pressed were incredibly painful.

Having another look at it an hour later and there is suddenly a blue/ green” bruise” at base of ring finger ( top of hand) as in the picture. I was about to take more Naproxen as when I try to use it at all it is painful. Concerned to take it as have never seen sudden bruising and I haven’t knocked it at all.

I’m on 250g Hydroxychloroquine daily and weekly Benepali injections. I currently have a snuffly cold in head and chest but generally feel ok. Any ideas what is going on/ what I should do. Not due to see Rheumatologist TIL early April.

[Hidden]

Hi Deniseelk, I'm sorry no one has replied yet, it may just be that no one has experienced it. Can you move your finger? I often get small bruises from nothing too. It usually starts with a painful blue lump which turns into a bruise but that doesn't sound like yours though. I'm not medically trained and can only give my experience so I would speak to your GP or out of hours service if you are worried about it.

[Deniseelk in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Kittyj for your response! The bruise hasn’t spread any further and yes, I can move my fingers. It is no worse and I decided not to take the Naproxen as it doesn’t seem like a typical RA pain. It’s just frustrating when you think you have FINALLY cracked the RA pain / issues and symptoms start creeping back in.... a reminder to make the most of the good days!

[Creakywrists in reply to Deniseelk]

Every so often I get periods when I seem to bruise for very little reason at all. Two weeks ago I had black bruising right up one side of my wrist. It was quite dramatic and eventually I worked out it was probably due to grappling (for a long time! ) to put in a car seat I’d bought for my baby grandson with my stiff and slightly wonky painful hands. I think for me it can take very little to cause bruising. My blood tests are ok although I’ve also recently been found to have low vitamin D. I’m on Benepali and methotrexate as well as reducing amounts of hydroxy and sulfasalazine.

The car seat is staying permanently where it is, I got it so that I wouldn’t have to ever ever move a seat from car to car and the next thing will be to encourage the wee one to climb into it himself !

[Mmrr]

I too get bruising for no apparent reason, but then when I think back I've been trying to do something, change the sheets for example. I am however on steroids and assume they play their role in the bruising.

[Shalf]

Hi Deniseelk

I am unsure what caused the bruising clearly seen in your picture. I think in general with RA we bruise more easily. Certain meds also increase the risk of bruising. It's good you have captured a pic as you can show GP. If he/she has concerns then I'm sure you would be seen before April.

Your description of discomfort on right hand/wrist is almost exactly the areas I have problems too. I broke my right wrist recently but before that, the pain was in the pinky side of hand running up the side and I also have painful pads. I have Dupuytren's syndrome on right hand too ( not on left). It's bizarre how the inflammation seems to occur on right hand/wrist all the time.

Re Naproxen, I don't find this drug or Diclofenac to be effective painkillers at all. They seem to reduce swelling but ( for me) they don't help with pain.

I think a visit to GP for review of pain relief and for the bruising would be a wise move.

I hope your head cold gets better soon. Feels a bit more like Spring today which will boost your Vit D.

Take care

Xx

[Nsmith13]

Yes mine are just the same I think mine is steroid use plus very thin skin slightest bump and and full of bruising on both hands right side is worse I've got supports gloves, and soft tubie bandage helps to protect and I always wear rubber gloves for minor chores

[chacha700]

I have oramorth-solution works wonders for my pain

[amberly87]

Deniseelk-

I have PsA & I have severe pain in my hands as well. Just two days ago the pain amplified to the worst it’s been & by that evening it looked & felt bruised, similar to yours, but I noticed it was actually the veins in my hand that looked swollen & more visible. I doubt the veins themselves are swollen; I'm guessing the inflammation in the hand is pushing the veins up, thus making them more visible & presenting the look & feel of bruises. Also, as someone else mentioned, a lot of typical meds arthritis patients take do cause long-lasting bruising that occurs easily. I just wanted to post as I know it’s a comfort to hear similar stories, but please still talk to your doctor about it & report your findings!