Sudden bruised swollen hand

[Trulyscrumpious]

Yesterday l was eating my lunch when l looked down and saw that my left hand was very swollen, like a mound, with grey and pink bruising. It isn’t painful unless l make fist. I have no memory of banging it on anything . I’m used to the classic dark red bruises appearing due to being on steroids but this is different, l would attach a photo but don’t know how to do that. My GP sent me to A&E as he didn’t know what it was. Nor did A&E ! They suggested Arnica and keeping arm raised. Has anyone experienced anything like this?

(I’ve had PMR for 6 years and had been on 5 mg pred for 5 years. I was particularly achey recently so am trying 6 mg for l month and l am a bit less fatigued.)

[Telian]

I had similar last year and like you investigations weren’t fruitful. Was referred to MSK but they weren’t much help - gave me exercises to do but not much help - the swelling gradually reduced but it took some time. It hasn’t gone totally but can live with it better. So no diagnosis whatsoever. I had to increase my pred dose due to painful forearm last year which must have masked the hand problem. Find a dose that eases it then reduce really slowly once it’s settled. I can only reduce by 1/2 mg. Been on Pred since March 2014. Current dose 8mg.

Arnica brings bruising out which seems to be happening anyway according to your photo.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to Telian]

Thanks Telian, l think l’ll just learn to live with it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

How strange - the position and bruising suggest it could be a small vein on the back of your hand that popped. I assume they told you to use ice on it and elevate it?

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks for your comments. I think it must have been a small vein. A&E didn’t suggest using ice, which l’ll try. A&E were annoyed that the GP referred me. Lots of notices saying that they are only for life threatening cases. Thanks again.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Trulyscrumpious]

Dunno - the average GP can't do an x-ray which might well have been appropriate. And after all - THEY didn't come up with a diagnosis either so they can't have it all ways!!!

[piglette]

I have had the same thing happen. In my case it did not really hurt, so I just waited and it went away again eventually. I have noticed that some of my bruises are a rather attractive grey colour.

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to piglette]

Thanks Piglette, mine doesn’t hurt either, unless l press it. The bruising is spreading up my arm and fingers so l think it will disperse gradually and l’m not too worried. Thanks for replying which is reassuring. Do you think it is related to being on steroids?

[piglette in reply to Trulyscrumpious]

In my case it definitely is. Also my skin is now very thin. My legs look like I have been in a road accident!!

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to piglette]

Thanks. Very interesting.

[Purplecrow]

I have times when I bruise so easily I can't tell when it happens. Being fairly busy, My hands are always into something. Most recently I have bruised myself trying to remove the cap from a bottle of beverage.

My go-to treatment is an ice bag when I first notice the bruise. The cold seems to stop the bruising (internal bleeding) from getting so big/dark, etc. and it helps with swelling.

We have wonderful hands which have given us lifetimes of service, it's good to help them along when they suffer from our older age. 😇

Kind regards, Jerri

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to Purplecrow]

Thanks Jerri. Up till now l have only had the surface purple red bruises. This big one came from nowhere- not aware of any knock and didn’t notice it swelling. It was just there when l looked down. I like your comment on looking after our hands, mine have given me 84 years of good service. Cheers .

[2013mayo]

Wow poor you, Is it painful, not sure what it could be, what about a ganglion, not sure if they come up on front of hand, I had one on the inside of my wrist.

Hope it get better.

😍

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to 2013mayo]

Fortunately it is not painful. From the helpful replies l’ve had, it seems it is due to being on Pred, and can happen from a knock you are not even aware of, as in my case. It is gradually dispersing- up past my wrist, up my fingers and round the sides. It looks gruesome as you can see! Thanks for replying.

My bruise at present

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Trulyscrumpious]

THAT is impressive!!!Reminds me of when the girls were small, the neighbour's child fell out of a swing and bruised her forehead quite impressively and it had a similar bump. As it healed the black went through all the bruise colours - but it also moved down her face and finally "fell out" of her chin ...

[Trulyscrumpious in reply to PMRpro]

Yes l am finding its progress rather fascinating!