Dark Purple Bruise on Thumb After Volleyball Accident
A 34-year-old male from Washington State shares his experience. On Sunday, while engaged in a game of volleyball, I unfortunately injured my right thumb as I swung for a ball. I delivered a strong hit but ended up striking the lower part of the ball, resulting in my thumb bending backward. Although there was no distinct pop, the moment was marked by immediate, intense pain. Once I managed to regain my composure, I noticed my thumb appeared normal, and I could still move it without any significant issue. I applied ice to alleviate the pain. This incident reminded me of a previous thumb injury from my childhood, which was similar in nature and had sidelined me several times during my younger years. Throughout the day, I experienced slight swelling, though there was no change in color at that time. By the next morning, my thumb felt relatively alright, albeit with some swelling particularly around the base on my palm, as well as stiffness. When resting, there was no pain, allowing me to continue with daily activities, albeit with slight modifications. However, today, I've noticed that the fleshy area of my palm adjacent to the thumb is starting to turn a dark purple hue. The bruise has formed a rather large, circular shape, approximately three inches wide. Is it advisable for me to seek medical attention?
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 7:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
You’ve experienced a concerning injury to your thumb during a volleyball game, leading to a dark purple bruise. While it’s understandable to feel uncertain about whether medical attention is needed, there are key factors and steps you can take to assess your situation better.
Explanation
The dark purple bruise you’re noticing is typically a result of bleeding under the skin from damaged blood vessels following trauma. Given the nature of your injury, it’s possible you may have a sprain or contusion, which can account for the swelling and discoloration. The fact that you are able to move your thumb and not experience pain during rest is a positive sign; however, the increase in swelling and bruising is worth monitoring.
Next Steps
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Ice and Elevate: Continue applying ice to the bruise for 15-20 minutes every hour as this can reduce swelling. Keep your thumb elevated to help lessen swelling.
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Limit Use: Avoid using the injured thumb in activities that may worsen the pain or swelling. This includes heavy lifting or any gripping activities.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bruise and swelling. If the pain increases significantly, if you experience difficulty moving your thumb, or if you notice any numbness or tingling, that would warrant more immediate attention.
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Pain Management: If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Always follow prescribed dosages or consult a pharmacy as needed.
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Seek Medical Attention If:
- The swelling or bruising worsens significantly.
- You develop severe pain that is not managed with medication.
- You have difficulty moving your thumb or hand.
- You noticed a pop at the time of injury or if the thumb becomes deformed.
By following these steps, you can effectively monitor your condition and decide if further medical evaluation is necessary. Focus on rest and proper care for now, but don't hesitate to reach out for help if things change.
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