What Causes Blue Discoloration On The Left Hand?

Posted on Thu, 27 Oct 2016

Question: Today I noticed some of the fingers on my left hand had a blue tint. My left shoulder has been bothering me quite a bit. I was wondering if it could be a pinched nerve because when I would raise my arm or rotate it around the normal color returned.

Answered by Dr. Rishi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be TOS

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,
What you are mentioning points towards Thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS).
You should consult a Vascular Surgeon who can examine you and decide whether you need any investigations to prove the same.
You would require an XRay of the neck or Cervical spine and a Color Doppler of the arteries of the affected limb, specially the Subclavian artery to see whether there are any compression changes on the artery.
It does not seem to be a very serious issue. If there is arterial flow compromise then you might require a surgery to decompress the area where the neck meets the chest and remove fibres or bone that is compressing the nerve or the artery.
But first you need to be examined thoroughly to know whether your problems are because of TOS or something else.
Take care and do not worry at all.
Do let me know if there are any queries on this issue.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar