Why is my left hand locking up?

Why are the fingertips on my left hand turning purple and becoming extremely painful?

• Several months ago, the fingers on my left hand became painful and started becoming discolored. My PA told me it was caused by high blood sugar, adjusted my diabetes medication and started me on a medication that was supposed to open the veins up in my hand. It worked. The discoloration and pain went away. Now it's back and it is much worse. Every finger tip on my left hand is blue or purple. The index and middle fingers are the worse with the discoloration extending to the back of my fingers. I even have developed discoloration extending from the base of my middle finger, across the back of my hand to my wrist. The pain in my fingers is beyond belief. I can't do anything with that hand without severe pain. The slightest touch is near agony. I saw my PA again Monday and she upped the medication that is supposed to improve blood flow and said to check back with her in a week. Although my sugar is running a little high (last monthly average was 211) it's lower than it was and I am having a hard time believing that this is caused by my diabetes. Does anyone know of any other reason that this could be happening? I truly appreciate knowledgeable information. Thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  does this discoloration change during the day? does it ever get better or worse? IF it does, it may be Reynaud's phenomenon. IF it doesn't, you really need to go to the ED, as you may be having limb-threatening arterial blockage. you may not be getting enough blood to your hand, and your hand may be literally dying. PLEASE take this seriously!!! And you need to seriously consider a different primary care provider!