Thumb Injury: Extensive Bruising and Vascular Damage - Is This Normal?

Question
3 days ago I accidentally caught my thumb in a lease on a surfboard (while teaching a child to surf) and basically my thumb was yanked forward very hard, but not enough to cause extreme pain.  I didn't think much of it = thumb and surrounding area turned purple due to broken blood vessels as expected.  But then I noticed tenderness and broken vessels all the way up to my arm and even to the back of my neck (stemming from the original pull).  Is this normal?  Currently my lower thumb is purple, but the top is not & partially numb instead.  On a side note, is it safe for me to life free weights?

Answer
Hi Eliza,
This sounds a little more serious than just broken blood vessels. I can't believe that this is from what sounds like a minor injury. If you are having symptoms that far up your arm and into your neck AND your thumb is numb, I would worry about a significant traction injury to the brachial plexus. I'd have this checked out. I wouldn't lift weights till all this is sorted out.