Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Intermittent Sudden Pain Swelling And Discoloration Of Vein In Finger?

Have a 55 y/o WF with intermittent sudden onset of painful swelling and discoloration of vein in one finger of either hand, not related to any particular activities, no trauma. Denies h/o RA, never dx d with Raynauds. Pain, swelling, discoloration can last from 30 minutes to two hours, resolving on own. Has only + h/o migraines, rosacea and venous lake of lip, otherwise healthy. Taking statin and synthroid only. Any diagnosis?
posted on Fri, 16 May 2014
Twitter Mon, 14 Aug 2017 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 14 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
  User's Response
This could be due to thrombophlebitis, which is a superficial infection of a vein. The treatment is usually NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and warm compresses. I would try that first and see if that helps. Another possibility is hypothenar hammer syndrome - Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is caused by repetitive use of the hand as a hammer so that there is thrombosis of the superficial palmar arch of the ulnar artery. There is trauma over the hook of hamate, where the superficial branch of the palmar artery lies. This leads to vascular insufficiency of the ulnar side of the hand, which could lead to the symptoms you are describing. Usually this is found in people who do repetitive activities. I'd recommend an ultrasound of the vessels in your arm, which is a quick and non-invasive test.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Rosacea


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Intermittent Sudden Pain Swelling And Discoloration Of Vein In Finger?

This could be due to thrombophlebitis, which is a superficial infection of a vein. The treatment is usually NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and warm compresses. I would try that first and see if that helps. Another possibility is hypothenar hammer syndrome - Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is caused by repetitive use of the hand as a hammer so that there is thrombosis of the superficial palmar arch of the ulnar artery. There is trauma over the hook of hamate, where the superficial branch of the palmar artery lies. This leads to vascular insufficiency of the ulnar side of the hand, which could lead to the symptoms you are describing. Usually this is found in people who do repetitive activities. I d recommend an ultrasound of the vessels in your arm, which is a quick and non-invasive test.