frequent breaking of blood vessels in fingers

Question

I've read a number of queries about frequent breaking of blood vessels in the fingers and hands but I'm wondering if any one has gotten any information about what might cause this annoying occurance. My concern is actually more about this being a symptom of a weakness in the vessels that could also break spontaniously in other parts of the body(the brain being at the top of the worry list). Thanks.

wolfmom304 · Answer

Same for me.  It ususally happens doing the most insignificant thing, turning the steering wheel, picking up a gallon of milk, etc.  The only common thread I am seeing with the posters here & myself is low blood pressure.  I take a very good mult-vitamin and Vitamin K supplement. It happens to me at all the joints on my fingers.  It has been happening to me for years and I am 33.

susu2186 · Answer

This just happened about 2 hours ago on my baby finger between my fingernail and the first joint and is still sore.  I get severe pain and then brusing. I have RSD from a bothed up shoulder and fibromyalgia.  I do use pain medicine because the pain in the right shoulder and arm and hand are severe. I also have lymphadema from the same surgery and it really makes me angry and I try not to talk about it too much.  I am 56.

zeor · Answer

I have the same finger problem and was told by one doctor that it could be caused by taking estrogen.

Juju282 · Answer

I have been experiencing this problem for about 15 yrs.  It started with my fingers, then toes, neck, ears, and lips.  First time I was fabric shopping and others would just happen while sleeping or watching tv.  And hemotologist told me its like being allergic to my own blood.  People who usually have this are in mental institutions, alcholholics and drug users.  And I just don't fit that profile.  I was 27 when it started.

vp50 · Answer

I have experienced the breaking of vessels in my fingers. The description of a rubber band is a similar feeling I get. After the stinging I look at my fingers, it swells, painful and I notice a bruise forming. It does not happen often maybe once every three to four months. I am also fifty.

DS50 · Answer

i also have this problem.  when i was 13 it started on my hand.  since then, it's happened on my legs, and twice on my face.  now, i'm experiencing it on the right side of my neck radiating up to behind my right eye!  it feels like a rubberband pulling until the vessel breaks.  is anyone else experiencing this? i'm now 50 years old.

curious2929 · Answer

I have raynaud's syndrome as well...but lately the blood vessels just all of a sudden, like doing the dishes, or some kind of minute work and the same two fingers, both the middle ones, on either hand, seem to be the ones that start to feel like a sting and then swell up huge and bruise all over, and it takes about three to four days to shrink and coloring back to normal...it's happened twice in the last two weeks, same finger...anyway...no diabetes, and low blood pressure for me as well...

jag01 · Answer

I too, suffer from vessels that are breaking in my fingers the past few years.  I don't know what causes it, but have had low blood pressure and not diabetic so the Dr. says.  Is there anything more that can be done or take to stop this reoccurring incident?  I did notice that it happens at work mostly when pushing an aluminum cart and my key yesterday just grazed the joint of middle finger.  It swelled then turned blue.
Thanks.

hullabalou · Answer

Thank you for getting back to me. I am going look into all of the things you mentioned. It is of fairly recent onset and I haven't paid too much attention to it until it happened twice this past week. Haven't tested for sugar in a few months(my mother is diabetic) so I will do that and although blood pressure is normally fine, that's an easy one too. I do take a multi but Vitamin K...never thought of it. I appreciate your time and all of your good advice.

caregiver222 · Answer

I assume you have normal blood pressure at the time this happens. Get an electronic cuff and measure your blood pressure to rule that out as a contributing cauee.

caregiver222 · Answer

The answer is yes, and your concern is well founded. Take special care not to engage in sports or activities that may involve head trauma such as bicyclinhg or rock climbing. The lack of an ability to repair and tear is ocasionally due to insulin utilization problems. High blood sugar levels in particuliar. I am not sure what the mechanism of action is, but it is present in some diabetics. I would get an insulin clamp test.  A small amount of DHEA (a repair hormone) may help, but be very cautious. This is a powerful male hormone. Try daily regular exposure to sunlight. The weather is getting better. Sunlight induces production of various substances in the skin, including substances that enhance skin repair. I wonder if you have had this problem forever or is it of recent onset? There may be a genetic issue involved. Take a quality multi vitamin every day. Sometimes vitamin deficiency may cause thius. The problem is often complex because people may get the vitamins, but have a disorder that prevents them from utilizing them. I would take a vitamin K supplement and see if this helps. Lack of vitamin K could be the problem. I assume you have had a PTT clotting test. Inappropriate intake of some vitamins (particuliarly E) can cause this problem.