Bruises

[Knitmare]

I've had RA for 6 years now and manage it very well with meds, diet and exercise. However, in recent months I've suddenly started having bruises appear on my fingers & toes. Has anyone else experience of this?

[Lolabridge]

Not on fingers and toes but yes on arms and legs. Wretched disease ☹️

[Hidden]

I have only recently on my knuckles especially I’ve but it down to excessive swelling as my disease is particularly active then there’s the hot weather that adds more swelling

[KittyJ]

I’d get any bruising unexplained by injury etc checked out. Just to be safe.

[oldtimer]

Are your blood tests OK? Have you been on steroids?

If you're worried then check with your medical team.

[Knitmare in reply to oldtimer]

Blood tests fine, I take methotrexate.

[Karen12]

I often get random bruises on toes, feet, stomach legs and all blood tests fine. May be worth having yours checked if not done recently.

[Knitmare in reply to Karen12]

All blood tests up to date and fine.

[Karen12 in reply to Knitmare]

As others have said if it’s a concern maybe speak to your GP/consultant. I personally haven’t because I was happy my blood tests are fine. I also often forget when I’ve knocked myself so some bruises can definitely be accounted for. I did find the ones on my toes a little strange as definitely didn’t knock those and had several over the feet at toes at a time. They disappeared but came back a few months later and have disappeared again 🤷🏻‍♀️

[RAexperiences]

I am on methotrexate max dose for years. Just suddenly got two good bruises (forearm and inner knee). Don’t recall hitting myself..

[Hidden]

For many years I have been getting really big bruises for no apparent reason and they are usually on my legs but sometimes on my arms and even my stomach. Over time I have mentioned them to doctors but never get a clear answer as to what causes it. One doctor even said that I must have knocked myself to which I answered that I would surely know if I had knocked myself badly enough to get a huge bruise like that. The rheumatologist said it was probably the steroids and didn't seem very bothered.

This year, I am getting a lot all round my ankles and lower legs and they are also swollen. I have been put on two different water tablets but they make no difference. I recently saw a new doctor in the practice who actually admitted that she had no idea what was happening and has referred me to the rheumatology dept, although I have no idea just what good that will do. I just think I must be a freak of nature!

[Crystal197 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Holly-Willow

I have experienced or still get bruises for no apparent reason too. I have mentioned this to my RA consultant and nurse and they both have dismissed too , mentioning it could be steroids or ibuprofen. ☹️

[Hidden in reply to Crystal197]

Hi Crystal, I don't think they know themselves. I can't take Ibuprofen so that can't be the cause, well not with me anyway. Very few doctors like to admit that they are baffled so just pass things off. xx

[Mmrr]

I also get what appears to be random bruises, I'm rarely without some bruises around my body.

[shareasmile]

Several years ago I was bruising in very odd places, including my tongue-- weird. After some research and a visit to a hematologist, I stopped taking fish oil and all is well.