Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Q: Hand Bruises: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Hello： Your mother's bruising on her palm is more commonly associated with injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. <br>Sometimes, this can be accompanied by small blood vessel rupture, leading to hematomas and bruising. <br>However, it is also important to consider the p

Bruising on the palm?

My mother experienced sudden pain near her fingers on her palm while riding her bike yesterday.
The pain improved later, but she noticed a purple bruise and swelling, although she mentioned she didn't hit anything.
Currently, she feels pain when pressing on it and when bending her fingers.
Could you please let me know what conditions might cause this? Does she need to see a doctor? Thank you, doctor.

Zhe, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/16

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine

Hello: Your mother's bruising on her palm is more commonly associated with injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
Sometimes, this can be accompanied by small blood vessel rupture, leading to hematomas and bruising.
However, it is also important to consider the possibility of bone injury.
Since your mother mentioned that she did not experience any impact, the likelihood of a bone injury is lower.
It is possible that the injury occurred due to excessive strain on her hand while riding a bike, which could have caused damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
For the first three days after the injury, applying ice is recommended, followed by warm compresses in the subsequent days.
If swelling and pain persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2022/06/16

More Info

When it comes to understanding hand bruises, it is essential to consider the potential causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical help. Based on your description of your mother's situation, it seems she experienced sudden pain in her hand, followed by the appearance of a purple bruise and swelling, particularly near the fingers. This can be concerning, especially if she does not recall any specific trauma or impact that could have caused the injury.

Possible Causes of Hand Bruises
1. Contusion: A bruise, or contusion, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break, leading to bleeding and discoloration. Even if your mother does not remember hitting her hand, it is possible that she may have bumped it against something without realizing it.

2. Sprain or Strain: If the pain is accompanied by swelling and difficulty moving the fingers, it could indicate a sprain (ligament injury) or strain (muscle or tendon injury). These injuries can occur from overexertion or awkward movements.

3. Tendon Injury: If the pain worsens with finger movement, it might suggest a tendon injury. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and injuries can lead to pain, swelling, and bruising.

4. Fracture: Although your mother did not report a specific impact, fractures can occur from falls or accidents that may not seem significant at the time. A fracture can cause swelling, bruising, and pain, especially when moving the affected area.

5. Vascular Issues: Conditions affecting blood vessels, such as vasculitis or blood clotting disorders, can lead to unexplained bruising. If your mother has a history of such conditions, it may warrant further investigation.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Pain: If the pain persists or worsens, it is essential to monitor its intensity and location.

- Swelling: Increased swelling can indicate a more severe injury.

- Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the fingers or hand can suggest a more significant issue, such as a fracture or tendon injury.

- Color Changes: The color of the bruise can change over time, but if it spreads or becomes more painful, it may require medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Help
It is advisable to seek medical attention if:
- The pain is severe and does not improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.

- There is significant swelling that does not subside.

- Your mother experiences numbness or tingling in her fingers.

- She has difficulty moving her fingers or hand.

- The bruise continues to spread or change in color significantly.

- There are any signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, or discharge from the area.

Conclusion
Given your mother's symptoms of pain, swelling, and bruising without a clear cause, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays, to rule out fractures or other injuries. Early intervention can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing. Encourage your mother to rest the affected hand, apply ice to reduce swelling, and avoid activities that may exacerbate the pain until she can see a doctor.

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