unexplained sudden brusing/redness at base of finger with swelling & numbness

My same finger on the side just did this. Wonder what the cause is

Achenbach's Syndrome - also known as paroxysmal distal haematoma... bruising of the finger joints, probably due to bursting of small blood vessels. Wikipedia has a great description. Or Google it, and click on IMAGES - you'll see your finger there. Anecdotally, i can confirm it is NOT that rare (I know at least a dozen people with it, and this forum is testament to the common occurrence), it is probably just rarely reported, since the symptoms usually clear up before you get a chance to see a doctor.

It is self-limiting (it doesn't get worse, it just gets better on its own) and essentially as harmless as any other bruise or blood-blister. It's just disturbing because it happens for no obvious reason. I've had it happening for around 40 years, 2-3 times a year, nearly always on the palm side of my main fingers, once on the back of an index finger, twice under a toe. Rub hard on the affected joint as soon as the burning itch starts, you spread the bleeding out quicker (although it hurts when you do it), the bruise comes out sooner, you get through the annoyance faster.

IMPORTANT - it has nothing to do with Reynaud's Syndrome (serious, and involving blood restriction in the finger, not bleeding). Your finger is bruise-coloured, not pale and bloodless,

ALSO IMPORTANT - it is NOT an indication of any underlying serious condition (clots, stroke, embolism, heart problems, diabetes etc.).

It is nearly ALWAYS misdiagnosed by doctors - sometimes to the extent of them undertaking unnecessary invasive procedures, or prescribing equally unnecessary medication.

So - just put up with it, and rest easy. It's just a mild occasional harmless annoyance (that, admittedly, you're e stuck with forever), that makes for great photos you can horrify your friends and family with.

Don't see the point in this without someone from the medical profession piping in on the discussion

I agree without having someone from the medical profession weighing in it seems pointless

I have had this problem of an on for years with extended periods of it happening frequently and years on no occurrence at all. After about 50 years of observation, for me it is directly related to whether or not I am taking vitamin e supplements or anything containing vatamin e.

Burst blood vessel? Had the exact same thing happen today and was told by several people that that is what was going on.

Very helpful. Thx :)

This is weird so I was taking a shower until I realised a purple bruise looking thing appeared at the base of my finger I showed a friend and they just said its only a bruise. But, I hadn't banged my finger all day/night so I'm pretty sure that this is it.

I think this explanation should calm me down.
Thanks a lot. What remedy can be used to attend to the popped vessel situation?

I am a 56 year old healthy woman. I have had these symptoms of middle joints in various fingers turning blue usually after a short burst of pain, though sometimes no pain, on both hands for about 10 yrs. Once the middle joint of my thumb turned blue I showed it to several doctors who were together and all were baffled. This week I was pulling weeds and some ivy got wrapped around my pointer finger and the entire finger was purple and terribly swollen for days. I sent my doctor a picture and she said ice it and use aleve. That did not help. I just hope its not an underlying symptom of a bigger problem.

I have Raynaud's phenomenon, have had 2 episodes in the last month of swollen fingers. Both happen to be my fingers I have rings on. I have not felt like I have done anything to "injure" them but the finger is bruised again. I get nose bleeds normally when there is a change in weather or humidity. My nails have recently started peeling as well. I have also had dizzy spells over the last couple of months but put that down to low BP. Have been for blood tests but nothing has come up out of the ordinary....

I had a sudden swollen finger no injury, ring finger. It on right hand . It started suddenly went bluish purple then purple and was throbbing and swollen and couldn't bend it . Swelling reduced as day went in but purple skin present only on Palm side . Contacted go who said possible reynauds syndrome disease . Looked up images for this and read about it. Initially I thought it was a blood clot as being tested next week with angiogram to check arteries as have been getting
Pain in left arm and numbness and pins and needles but don't know if the finger swelling may have a connection . Who knows !

I often have this bruising too. It happens on various fingers. Sometime one digit, sometimes more. A few days ago while change sprinkler positions, I felt it swelling. My bruising started in one digit and now has spread to half the little finger and down onto my hand. I think that's the blood flowing. It's been three days and still somewhat swollen and now tender to touch. It's just weird......

Where is this link?

THIS HAPPENED TO ME YESTERDAY WHILE AT WORK. I NOTICED MY LEFT MIDDLE FINGER BLOTHCY, PURPLE, RED AND SWOLLEN. NO INJURY PRIOR. WHAT COULD THIS BE?