Achenbach Syndrome? spontaneous finger joint bruising
I experienced a new symptom this morning - out of the blue while washing up, my LHS index finger when into a spasm of sharp pain and a spontaneous bruise appeared across the uppermost joint (palm side). The pain continued for a few minutes and then calmed down but the bruise is still there 4 hours later and the finger is stiffer than usual.
I googled and found it is most like a rare syndrome called Achenbach Syndrome - no treatment, benign, but likely to recur possibly a few times a year. Seams to be related to other conditions like migraines which I also suffer. I found no mention of PsA but Rheumatoid Arthr is listed (I don't have that).
Interested to know if anyone else has suffered a similar condition? Anything I can do to avoid or treat... hoping it is not a sign that it could happen to multiple of my fingers (or toes) next time....
There are other possibilities in terms of the symptoms/condition, so I will raise it with my GP or Spec at next apptmt or go see them if it worsens or re-occurs in the meantime.
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Hi
. That must have been a bit scary. I hope you get some helpful responses from the community. You might have Achenbach Syndrome, but it is also possible that you had a blood clot in your finger. The finger is not a common location for a blood clot, but it can happen there and the symptoms are similar. People with PsA are at higher risk for blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) that most. Here is an article about it that might interest you: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/clinical/dvt. I have had blood clots in my wrist (twice) and in my neck. For me, it starts with a very uncomfortable ache that almost feels like a muscle ache. Just before it bursts, I feel an intense pain, followed by complete relief. Regardless, it would be a good idea to talk to your GP and provide this photo. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
Hi JoCeCe, my wife has suffered from this for many years now. Sometimes it happens on several fingers on each hand. Happens at least once per month.
She does not have PsA. Our GP was totally unconcerned and said it was just small burst blood vessels, possibly from having cold hands quite often. (We have horses in the UK so a lot of time spent outside).
I do have PsA and had this happen once on my left hand. The affected finger was extremely sore and difficult to bend, then the bruise came. It went away after around 4 days. I’m sure it will return.
This is the first time we have heard of the syndrome, our GP did not mention anything like that and, as mentioned, was most unconcerned.
Hope you don’t suffer them too often as they can be painful.
Take care
Greg
Hello
, This looks very painful. I have PsA in my fingers, but I get mostly pain and curve. My hands have been this way for over 30 years with the pain. I've never had the bruising. I hope you get better with that soon. Let us know what the outcome is. Diane, (Team Member)
