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blood vessels popping in fingers

in the last two weeks i have had three blood vessels just pop in my fingers. i was not doing anything out of the ordinary. what could be causing this? should there be a cause for concern?
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Avatar universal
Like many of you that responded, I too have had this on going problem for about 15 years. I am 56, 143Ibs, always been in decent shape, female but I have had high blood pressure for about 10 years now. I didn't read any that had high blood pressure. Most have normal or low. I too have been to the doctors, was tested for arthritis but that came back negative. Doctors don't seem to care. I started out with my fingers popping every once in a while. Thought it was from all the yard work I use to do. I've been a vegetarian for about 7 years. For the last 2 years It has also been happening in my feet, especially after I take a long walk or go for a jog/run. It can happen without doing either too. Its always on the bottom of my right foot, just below the top part of the foot, in the middle. Its tender & I can feel a small ball & its blue. I can't rub it as it hurts to touch it. I'm so aggravated with this. My plan is to go to my new primary physician & hopefully he will give me a referral to see a cardiologist. Will update when I have some info.
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I have hypertension apparently. I have just been told I have Diabetes.
Avatar universal
Thanks to you all for this site. I live in the Rheingau, Germany and had my first episode of this phenomenon yesterday as I sat in the sun at an outdoor cafe with a friend - doing absolutely nothing! I noticed pain in my left ring finger, looked down, and the joint closest to my hand was swelling. I literally watched it swell, then ouch! Sharp pain, the swelling halted and the blue color began to spread. Only a half hour ago did my finger turn cold and begin to go numb.
Because I have to pick my partner up from the hospital today following foot surgery, and have my own appoint with the surgeon following my sinus surgery 2 weeks ago, you have saved me a long wait at my general practitioner's office - time I don't have. I'll be heading to the Reformhaus (health food store) for olive oil in a moment instead.
I too am slim and active with low cholesterol and blood pressure. I eat very little animal protein - 63 years old with slightly low thyroid for which I take 100mcg of synthroid daily. That's it.
Rosalind
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Avatar universal
34F who, like most others on this forum, exercises regularly, is in good shape, eats a relatively healthy diet, and I’ve been experiencing the same symptoms: random rupture of blood vessels of my fingers causing swelling and bruising. After reading many posts in this thread, there seems to be a trend that relates this phenomenon to Raynauds (which I also have). And in doing some more research, sounds like this is known as Achenbach Syndrome, which is benign and unrelated to any other vascular disorder/disease. I hope this eases others’ worries, as it has done mine.
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Interesting.  I don't have that but do get this finger issue occasionally.  Thanks for sharing this though as that should help many out there!
Avatar universal
For statistical purposes. 43 yr old female very active and in good health. Diet consists of mostly veggies. Blood pressure is usually normal, but not sure what it is when the vessels bursts. Happens mostly on my thumb and yesterday on my  right index finger for the first time. Have noticed it happens when I am pushing something or exerting myself. Doesn't seem to be that rare of a syndrome by this post. Lol.
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Avatar universal
I have bulging cervical disks at 3-4 and 5-6 and am not overweight, otherwise healthy. My left index finger was swollen and purple when i woke up one morning. I recall that my left hand had some numbness during the night from my neck angle, but it was gone when i woke.I  feel certain there is a relationship between the strain of the nerves in my neck getting pinched and the Achenbach but nobody mentions any cervical or neck issues in this forum.  Has anyone experienced this? After checking bloodwork, which is fine, and noting that it improved a little each day, I decided to wait it out. At day 4 while sitting at my desk during work, it happened again and instantly turned purple and swelled. Worse than the first one. no trauma here either. First it tingled then it was like a faucet turned on in my index finger.
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Avatar universal
Might as well add my observations to the mix.  In my case the broken blood vessels are always on the inner part of my fingers, between the metacarpophalangeal  and  proximal interphalangeal joints, and invariably result from a "minor trauma".  Really, really, minor, like putting some force on a wrench or even opening a door with a ring on that hand.   I am male, in my late 50s, thin, have a body temperature typically about 1 to 1/2 degree F below normal, and blood pressure on the low end of normal.  No other bleeding related symptoms.  I first started breaking vessels in my early 30's.  

My working hypothesis is that it results from pinching small blood vessels between an external hard object and the bone.  There isn't much "meat" on my hand to cushion these sorts of forces.   These injuries have never been on my feet, on the backs of my hands or the palms, or on my thumbs or pinkies. I think those appendages are spared because the thumb has some meat on it which provides enough padding, and I never apply force with a pinky.  I do not have the symptoms described for Raynoud's disease.  There is a delay of several seconds to several minutes between the event and noticing the injury, depending probably on the size of the blood vessel and the extent of its injury.  (It may be that some of the "I wasn't doing anything" events people report are similarly several minutes after the actual injury.)

When this happens if I immediately elevate the injured hand for about half an hour it greatly reduces the symptoms.   Much less bruising, swelling, and pain.  After one of these injuries it usually takes about 2-3 days for the bruise to go away.  A bad one might take a week.
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Avatar universal
I have just had this, today.
I'm 40, female, I have Diabetes and Asthma, possibly Autistic, with possible Ehlers Danlos syndrome and an auto immune scalp condition. I'm overweight, I also have Ovarian Endometriosis. Never had this before to my knowledge, thought it was a blood clot at first. I was really cold today, it has been very cold in the UK.. And it was earlier, when my hand was cold, that it happened.. Luckily I've now got heating. Just today as well. But I was freezing this morning, and experienced a stinging pain in the joint of my left ring finger. Then noticed it was bright pink with blueness around the joint where the stinging occurred..
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Just wanted to add, that I am also a meat eater, not greatly healthy. Though I don't have a car and walk and bus most places. I don't think it's related to being healthy or a vegetarian, but is a vascular or vein issue related to Raynauds or the Achenbach Syndrome. There's also a type of Elhers Danlos Syndrome related to the vascular system. And I do believe that it is an auto immune issue.
Avatar universal
I've had this problem for like 7 years. I believe it's Achenbach Syndrome. I wish I could include pictures but this format won't allow it. Google Achenbach Syndrome! Not even sure if/how to combat this. I'm a 43 year old female who is very active. I am a marathon and ultra marathon runner and I Kickboxing, cycle and do yoga. I also eat well. H
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I have just had this, today.
I'm 40, female, I have Diabetes and Asthma, possibly Autistic, with possible Ehlers Danlos syndrome and an auto immune scalp condition. I'm overweight, I also have Ovarian Endometriosis. Never had this before to my knowledge, thought it was a blood clot at first. I was really cold today, it has been very cold in the UK.. And it was earlier, when my hand was cold, that it happened.. Luckily I've now got heating. Just today as well. But I was freezing this morning, and experienced a stinging pain in the joint of my left ring finger. Then noticed it was bright pink with blueness around the joint where the stinging occurred..
Avatar universal
Sorry don't know where all the strange characters came from in my earlier post
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Avatar universal
I have just started to have this happen. Twice in one week in a finger on my right hand and then my left thumb. It's always at the joint and isn't painful but I can't bend the finger when it happens. I can't find anything concrete on the web so will ask my doctor.
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Avatar universal
I am relieved to find this post. I am overall healthy, overweight, always had normal BP's, and labs.  Since turning 40, Im now 42, I've had to have partial hysterectomy for pre-cancer, gastritis, GERD and mild fatty liver.  

Anyway, I had grapped an Espresso drink and headed out I to run errands. I went to grab a shopping cart and noticed my thumb felt numb and awkward. I then went to grab something off the shelf and my grasp was a little weak in my thumb?  It felt very strange and thought it was neurological/pinched nerve?  When I got home, my thumb looked bruised but was not painful?  The bruising went away 24 hours later and I have a small white bump on my  thumb joint?  This is very concerning  after googling symptoms? I'm thinking & really hoping its a popped blood vessel? Everything points to vascular?  I'm a worrier unfortunately and my husband told me to wait & see if it happens again before running to the doctor?  But I have an upcoming appt to get checked out in a few days.  I  truly feel this might be a random occurrence with no underlying issues?  I read on here that it might be related to caffeine, but I drink it everyday?
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Avatar universal
The dexterity of the fingers helps many individual to function in different areas in life including at home, at work, in school and so on. When the function of the fingers is compromised, it can be disrupting for many because of the pain, the inflammation and the swelling that renders the hand immobile for a time. This is what happens when a popped blood vessel occurs in the finger.
Popped Blood Vessel in the Finger
Also known as paroxysmal finger hematoma or Achenbach’s syndrome.
This is a skin condition and not a cardiovascular condition.


This is a rare condition with very few reported incidences.
The condition is characterized by a spontaneous hemorrhage involving the hands especially the palm or the finger’s volar surface.
The onset is sudden or is a result of a minor injury.
The condition is also characterized by symptoms such as intense burning pain, localized swelling and inflammation, as well as localized bruising or hematoma.
The cause of the condition is unknown and is considered harmless medically.
How to Treat a Popped Blood Vessel in the Finger
Treatment is similar to those observed for the treatment of localized hematoma.


The condition often resolves on its own with conservative treatment.
Cold compress may be done initially to help relieve the burning pain felt on spontaneous hemorrhaging.
Warm compress can be applied to the affected hand or finger to aid in the absorption of pooled blood causing the hematoma.
Pain medications may be taken but caution needs to be observed especially with analgesics that can further cause bleeding. Medical consultation is recommended for the proper prescription of pain medications.
Avoid use of aspirin or any blood thinners to avoid further aggravating the hemorrhage. If consequently taking aspirin or any blood thinners for a certain medical condition, consultation with a physician is advised.
Avoid contact sports or activities that can pose a risk of injuring the hands or rupturing blood vessels in the finger.
Recurrence of hemorrhage or popping of the blood vessel in the finger is possible and care is needed to avoid further incidences.
Symptoms of a Popped Blood Vessel in the Finger
Onset of this condition is sudden or may follow after a minor injury.
Sudden onset of intense burning pain felt in the hand or finger.
Sudden localized swelling.
Sudden localized inflammation and redness of the hand or finger.
Bluish discoloration on the affected hand or finger.
Related posts:
Treatment for Popped Blood Vessel in Hands and What are Its Causes
Symptoms of Popped Blood Vessel In Eye and Its Cure
How To Naturally Treat Blood Clot In Finger At Home?
Air Popped Popcorn Calories: Low Carbohydrate Air Popped Popcorn
Swollen And Painful Index Finger: Causes of Swelling In Index Finger
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I have also been experiencing this for several years with no clear diagnosis.  It occurs on by hands, feet and knees...most often in the finger and toe joints and on the front of my knees, but it has also happened at the base of my palm and on the side of my foot. I am a female, age 47, thin, with blood pressure on the low end of normal.  I often feel the results of poor circulation with cold hands and feet.  I have many allergies, including gluten.  I have been described as having a "haywire immune system,"  by my GP while in my 20's.  I suffer hormonal & scent-triggered migraines and I also have Antiphospholid Antibody Syndrome and Mitral Valve Prolapse.  My father had a brain-stem stroke while in his late 50's which left him "locked-in" his body for 11 years.  My father also suffered with migraines.  As you would imagine, after my father's tragic stroke, I am terrified of anything blood related.  Just recently, my 20 year old daughter has experienced 2 instances of a blue fingernail. (Raynauds? idk) Once while she was hiking in the Adirondacks and just today while outside doing a college track practice work-out on a cold rainy October day.  My daughter also suffers from migraines.  Once she became neurologically confused after a routine dental cleaning bringing us to the ER where the confused doctors leaned towards a migraine.  Crazy, scary stuff we have!
Avatar universal
This answers it and we can all relax. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22915534
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Avatar universal
I should also add that my normal body temp is 97.6. At 98.6 I'm feeling sick. That is the normal temp for most people.
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Avatar universal
Might as well add my info too.  51 year old woman with lower normal blood pressure...sometimes in the clinically low range. I am thin and jog 30-60 min/day.  Cold hands frequently.  If ears get cold it's quite painful.  I have been vegan for 18 months and vegetarian all my life before that.  I take a vitamin supplement.  Someone mentioned spinal alignment being an issue and I did hurt my back a day before my last pop.  Someone else mentioned it happening while simply doing the dishes and that was me too.  (I'm wondering if I could use this as a good excuse to assign this task to other family members. lol). I've only had this happen twice this year.  I live in AZ and do have dry skin.  My skin is pretty translucent.  I had a sonogram of my breast about 15 years ago and was told my tissues were the most translucent the radiologist had ever seen.  I eat lots of fruits...probably not enough veggies.  Will do more olive oil.  It's a weird thing to have happen and worrisome that other vessel walls may be weak also.  Glad for this site and all the personal testimonies.  
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Ehlers Danlos syndrome is also related to weak blood vessels, just thought I'd add that.
Avatar universal
hi there, i am 42, slim , suffer from low blood pressure - but not serious, do yoga and eat relatively healthy. A few months ago i had a burning sensation in my shin, very painful and i was shocked at how my blood vessel popped out, it made a huge bruise on my leg.  went to the GP and she recommended i go off the pill.  i have been off the pill for months now and today i had the same pain in my finger, with the swelling of my vein in my palm followed by bruising of my finger.  i do tend to have sore joint pain and sometimes go through dips of not have much energy other than that pretty healthy.  I noticed that quite a few people mentioned kidney and liver problems and a friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with Addisons disease wonder if I should be tested for this? or if its not related.  very frustrating that the doctors are unable to assist with this problem which seems to be quite common. Has anyone had any other feedback regarding this problem?
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Avatar universal
Hi there, I recently had burst blood vessels in my finger, as described by many people in this thread. Having just read accounts on another website I thought it worth mentioning here that I regularly juice root ginger and turmeric root and potentially these can affect the blood. I therefore wondered whether other people who have posted here also take ginger and/or turmeric supplements. Here's a link to the post that highlighted this possible connection. http://www.****************.***/read.php?9,205251
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2 Comments
I have had about three incidents of the blue bubble bursting phenomena happen in a finger joint on the palm side just like everyone else in this thread. I'd say this was over the last 2 years...so not very frequent but scary and painful when it happens. Never seems like there was a cause from impact or stress. Just spontaneously happens and  last night i had one in my left pinkie and it is still purple this morning. I do indeed take turmeric supplements, I am indeed a vegetarian, I am female, I am 54 years old. I do have loose connective tissue and have had 5 shoulder dislocations. I do think this thread should be sent to Dr. Oz. I tend to think that undiagnosed conditions can often be environmental. So many of us have things in common -- it really should be studied.
I drink ginger tea very often, probably daily during winter months.  Rarely take turmeric, but not often enough for it to be a culprit.  
Avatar universal
I'm 47, slim (163 cm and 50kg) and have low blood pressure. I'm active and have no diseases or medical conditions. I've had this popping and bruising on my fingers and toes in the past 5-7 years. I don't know what causes it, but I wanted to share with you what solves it for me:

I live in scandinavia and suffer from dry skin in the winter. A couple of years ago, I started eating olive oil (a friend's recommendation to remedy dry skin). I eat one tblspoon every morning and one every evening and the oil does wonders for my skin. BUT what I've also noticed is that when I eat my olive oil regularly, the popping of vessels disappears! If I skip/forget the oil a week or two, the popping of vessels comes back.

The oil I eat is ecological, cold-pressed, unfiltered virgin olive oil and it's rather expensive, but I haven't bothered testing a cheaper version. It would probably work equally well if you add it to your food, but I'm a scientist and like to measure and record varaibles ;-)

Let me know if this helps you!
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My finger popped three months ago and I have olive oil on my toast every morning?
Avatar universal
Look up Achenbach's Syndrome ☺
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Avatar universal
I just had this happen to me the first time today. I am a pescaterian and have has issues with lightheadedness for years that they have ve never been able to diagnose. I also have lowish blood pressure. I am not on any medications, but I do take quite a few vitamins. Has anyone gotten a diagnosis?
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My doctor has been referring to it as a phenomena...
Avatar universal
I have the same symptoms/results as you do. It only happens in my fingers or toes and it can be any time of year. I 'm glad to have come across your post. I will look into Raynaud's disease. I have experienced this within the past 2-3 years. It only happens occasionally. I had changed my eating habit and have been eating vegetarian for the past 3 weeks but then had my blood vessel pop again.
I'm curious.....does anyone else take a birth control pill or other birth control method? I had stopped taking it for about a year and had no problems with blood vessels but then was put back on it and now I have the problem again.
Thanks to advise,
Jen
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I asked my Dr. if it was associated with Raynaud's, which I do have, and she said no.
Avatar universal
I am not vegetarian but don't eat much meat. I do have low-ish blood pressure. My Mom had varicose veins and I am thin so mine are visible and bother me in the heat with swelling and feeling uncomfortable. I did finally go to my doctor a week after my finger popped and she came to the conclusion she thinks it is achenbach syndrome - I was told when I called back a few days later.

I didn't go solely b/c of the finer thing but because my veins on the same arm were swelling and my arm felt numb and tingly. I had taken a photo of my finger and showed it to her since it was gone by the time I went in. She had clearly never seen or heard of it before. No problems since though! Hopefully never again since it is disturbing. Good luck everyone.  
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Avatar universal
This just happened to me for the first time today and I found this site. I am slender, female , 62.
I have psoriatic arthritis and follow the blood type diet which has improved it immensely and so I am on no medications. Blood pressure is normal whenever I have had it tested. I was , also, diagnosed with Raynauds years ago, but the symptoms disappeared with the blood type diet. The cold hands disappeared then, too.

Raynauds , psoriasis, fibromyalgia  are all under the arthritis umbrella and are considered autoimmune problems.

So why this one time finger popping thing? The only thing I did differently today was eat (deliberately) a lot of things with iodine in them, Himalayan pink sea salt, 2 soft boiled eggs and cranberries.
Don't know if that's why but I will monitor it. I, also, have cysts n hands and inside elbow. I was increasing iodine to see if it would help them clear.
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3 Comments
Alright, folks. Lets diagnose ourselves by finding out what we all have in common. It doesn't seem like this vessel popping has to do with age (I'm 27) as the age ranges of everyone who has commented varies greatly. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with sex (I'm female) as there are a fair number of men and women. It doesn't appear to have anything to do with medication as there are some people who are on meds and others who are not. I have two questions. Number 1: do any of you have low blood pressure or lowish blood pressure? I've read a few comments where people stated that they have low blood pressure and I, myself, have always been at the very lowest end of the normal range. I actually had a doctor ask me if I was sleeping one time. Number 2: do any of you have iron deficiencies or some other red meat related deficiency? It seems like a lot of people on here are vegetarians, and while I'm not a vegetarian, I don't eat nearly as much red meat as I should. My counts are always kind of off. Any thoughts?
I recently started using Himalayan pink salt as well.. And I have many auto immune conditions.
nope, BP normal, evem though I am on the heavy side, no iron or red meat deficiencies.  I suspect some kind of hormonal link as it was so bad in perimenopause and now I am 65 it hardly happens at all (touch wood) I have no circulatory or auto immune isses either.

Avatar universal
I'm a 37/f, on and off again vegan/vegetarian and have low blood pressure. Last night I noticed some veins on the inside of my left ring finger looked very dark. I got scared and took a closer look and noticed that a lot of the veins on the inside of my hands looked dark. Not bulging, just dark. My ring finger is still a bit achey today, but nothing has popped yet. A few months ago, I had my first popped finger vessel while cooking dinner. I hit my finger on the stove and it started stinging bad. I ran it under cold water and took my wedding ring off just in time because it immediately started swelling and then bruised very quickly. The bruise went away after a few days. I never had anything like that happen before so it really freaked me out at the time. I'm not sure if my current symptoms are an indication of another incidence on the horizon. I am currently incorporating meat into my diet because everytime anything health related happens to me I'm scolded and told, "It's because you don't eat meat!" I also get cold easily, especially my hands, and I have some mild leaky heart valves. I've been super stressed lately.
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