Unexpected Bruise: Hand Swelling Transforms Overnight
I am a non-smoker, but I do consume cannabis daily through vaping or edibles. I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), fibromyalgia, and I experience chronic migraines on over twenty occasions each month. Additionally, I suffer from herniated disks and chronic pain that I manage with nerve blocks and radiofrequency lesions from C3 to T4 on the right side of my body. There’s a prior history of mild carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, with a more pronounced issue on the right, alongside mild arthritis in that hand. Since taking time off work due to long-term disability in 2018, carpal tunnel syndrome has not been a problem. My mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Recently, blood tests indicated no concerns, as I was being evaluated for possible anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid issues. In terms of medication, I take Wellbutrin at 325 mg, Dexedrine in doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg twice daily, Nabilone for nerve-related discomfort and nausea in the range of 25 to 50 mg each night, and Aleve usually twice a day for pain relief. Yesterday, while playing with my toddler niece, whom I rarely see, I carried her around and engaged in various activities within my energy capacity. Initially, I noticed some discomfort in my right, dominant hand beneath the thumb and slight swelling. Following this, I decided to rest, apply ice, and took some Advil. However, upon waking, I was alarmed to discover that the area was severely bruised and visibly worse after several hours. I am currently traveling outside my county for another week. While I do have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs, I seldom get to visit my family, so sitting for extended periods in urgent care tomorrow is not appealing. I am known to bruise easily, but this aspect of my injury appears rather unsettling. My question is whether I should monitor the situation further to see if it deteriorates or if it’s advisable to seek medical attention right away. Are there specific emergency symptoms I should be vigilant about? Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 4:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about an unexpected bruise and swelling, especially given your medical history and recent activities. A sudden bruise with swelling may indicate a soft tissue injury, and while it's common for individuals to bruise easily, significant changes should be monitored closely.
Explanation: The injury you experienced while playing with your niece could be due to a sprain or strain, especially in the context of your existing conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis in the same hand. The initial discomfort, followed by swelling and bruising, is often a sign of inflammation due to tissue damage. Since you mentioned easy bruising, your blood's clotting function may play a role as well, although your recent blood tests showed no concerning issues.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on the bruising and swelling. If the area continues to swell, change significantly in appearance, or if the bruising spreads, it may be a sign of a more severe injury.
-
Pain Management:
- Continue using your normal pain relief methods, such as Advil or Aleve, as directed. Icing the area for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling.
-
Recognize Emergency Symptoms:
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief
- Numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers
- Inability to move your hand or fingers
- Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus)
- Significant swelling that does not decrease after applying ice
- Bruising that extends or worsens over time
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
-
Limit Activity:
- Try to avoid using your right hand excessively until you feel more comfortable with the symptoms. This will help prevent further irritation or injury.
-
Alternative Support:
- Consider using a brace or wrap around your wrist and hand to provide support, especially if any pain persists or if you're engaging in activities.
If symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days, despite self-care measures, it might be worth seeking a medical evaluation, even if that's inconvenient during your travels. Prioritizing your safety and recovery is essential.
Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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