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.)
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Trulyscrumpious
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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.
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?
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.
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!!!
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.
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?
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. 😇
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 .
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.
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.
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 ...
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weakness in hand 
feeling weird after every meal
Interesting visit with Rheumy - fat not edema!
Adrenal glands not producing enough cortisone
My pred experience scares me.
