joint pains/swollen veins

[dinkygirl43]

I was diagnosed with post streptoccoccal reactive arthritis following sudden onset of joint pain in january this year.Blood tests confirmed a positive ASOT with my history of a persistent sore throat last winter (The pain has been in my fingers, wrists,elbows,knees, feet and ankles and has been excruciating at times).having taken  a course of antbiotics, anti inflammatories and painkillers ever since, I have suddenly developed a painful swelling of the veins in both wrists and hands. it even appears to be spreading to my fingers and up my arms as each day goes by.The veins are EXTREMELY  engorged and  my palms goes red and I can only compare the sensation with having a dozen elastic bands wrapped around my wrist for hours at a time.The veins generally return to normal size  but I cannot find any cause for this phenomenon. (I am a 42 year old staff nurse and don't think that I dramatise medical matters, but this is very uncomfortable and  my main concern is that if the pressure continues to be raised within the veins, some long term damage may ensue. Anyone hear of anything similar or know what this is?doctors in the medical practice where I work have no idea which does not fill me with confidence!!!


This discussion is related to Temporary Bulging Veins w/ Pain.

[dinkygirl43]

hi 'ricobord'. thanks so much for your response. This is my first attempt at writing in to a forum so even reading your message cheered me up.As you have mentioned I also think the tablets may be causing my problem. I actually stopped taking all  my arthritis pain meds (with the exception of paracetamol when I am totally distracted) but so far no difference.The veins continue to bulge scarily with no warning and it even seems to be travelling up my forearms. I plan to speak to my doctor this week but don't expect much help. I just hope the pain settles soon. My helpful mother says I am probably menopausal. (thanks for that, mum!!!).All the best from not so sunny Ireland!!

[Ricobord]

I don't think I can be of much help, but the description of your veins sounds like a bad case of phlebitis.  I wonder if it is a reaction to the various meds you are taking.  I had a phlebitis in a vein from the back of my hand about 8 inches up my arm.  An EMT intern did my IV in an ER and it hurt like &$@!  I think he went all the way through, and the lining of my vein got inflamed or infected. It was swollen, purple and really tender.  It took several days of warm/hot soaks before it cleared up.

Have you tried soaking with warm water and epsom salts to see if it helps? It might take a few soaks to see any benefit.