Why do I have intense pain when my hands swell?

Question

Hello doctor,

I can notice some dots in my vision when I heat up fast. My hands shake when I go into attack. I have blue fingers in the cold; red swollen fingers and toes when it is hot outside also. I have intense pain everywhere when my hands are swollen. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There is a condition called Raynaud's phenomenon, in which the fingertips turn blue on exposure to cold. Subsequently, when the hands are warmed they turn white, then red, and then normal. This could be a benign condition, especially in young ladies. Sometimes, it may be associated with a connective tissue disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE has a constellation of findings such as fever, arthritis, pleuritis, nephritis, and headaches. I do not think you have any of these symptoms. So, it would be better to keep warm. If you still have problems then you could see your primary physician who could suggest some vasodilator medications.

Thank you.