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A hematoma on my leg
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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A hematoma on the leg is a very common occurrence, occurring mainly when the limb is injured – as a result of bruises, blows or falls.
However, such formations can also occur in the presence of any internal diseases, as well as as a result of taking certain medications. The location of the hematoma on the leg can be the surface of the thigh, shin, foot or knee area.
The main symptoms of hematoma formation are pain at the site of injury, swelling and discoloration of the skin. Hematoma sizes can vary from small to very large.
Treatment methods for hematomas on the leg are in most cases conservative; surgical intervention is required only if suppuration or other complications develop.
[ Causes of hematoma on the leg
The causes of a hematoma on the leg are often associated with an injury in this area, for example, a bruise, a fall, etc. As a result of injury to the soft tissues of the leg, damage to the blood vessels occurs and a hematoma is formed, the size of which can vary from small to very large.
A hematoma on the leg is a type of bruise, and therefore, the cause of its appearance is the rupture of blood vessels (arterial, venous, etc.) and the accumulation of liquid or thickened blood, which forms with both open and closed injuries to the lower limb.
The cause of a hematoma on the leg may be the presence of some internal diseases or the use of certain medications.
Hematoma on the leg after a fall
A hematoma on the leg after a fall is a fairly common occurrence that occurs as a result of damage to the soft tissues of the leg and rupture of blood vessels. A hematoma on the leg after a fall, depending on the location of the impact, can be localized in the thigh or shin area. The hematoma appears immediately after the injury and, depending on the degree of damage, can rapidly increase in size. In the first day after the fall and injury to the leg, the hematoma causes pain, and a jelly-like consistency is felt upon palpation.
Pain syndrome during the formation of a hematoma occurs due to compression and injury of the surrounding tissues. If the hematoma is large, you should seek help from a surgeon in order to promptly take the necessary measures to prevent the development of a purulent process and other complications, especially if symptoms such as pulsation at the site of injury, severe swelling, increased body temperature, and rapid progression of the hematoma occur.
Body temperature may also increase slightly as the hematoma resolves, but pain is usually absent.
Hematoma on the leg after a bruise
A hematoma on the leg after a bruise is a fairly common occurrence, the methods of eliminating which depend on the size of the formation and the extent of the damage.
A hematoma on the leg after a minor bruise is accompanied by mild pain, small size and, as a rule, goes away on its own within a few days. To eliminate such a hematoma, it is often only necessary to treat the affected area with cold in the first few hours after its formation. On the second day, the hematoma can be lubricated with a resolving ointment; this procedure can be done for several days until the symptoms are completely eliminated.
A hematoma on the leg after a moderate bruise, accompanied by damage to muscle tissue, causes more severe pain than in the first case, and has a larger area of damage. At the same time, swelling may be expressed at the site of the bruise, the size of the hematoma may increase. To treat such injuries, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
In severe leg bruises, the formation of a hematoma may be accompanied not only by damage to muscle tissue and tendons, but also by more serious symptoms, up to and including dysfunction of the limb. In such cases, a doctor's intervention should be immediate in order to promptly take the necessary measures to eliminate the hematoma and restore the functions of the damaged organ.
Hematoma on the leg after a blow
If a hematoma on the leg formed after a blow, first of all, you should apply ice to the damaged area to reduce swelling and prevent the hematoma from spreading. Further actions will depend on the severity of the injury and the severity of the accompanying symptoms.
So, in case of minor injuries, it may be enough to lubricate the damaged area daily with ointment to dissolve the hematoma until all traces of it are completely eliminated.
If a hematoma on the leg after a blow causes severe pain, an increase in temperature, hardens, pulsates or increases in size, you must immediately seek medical help to prevent suppuration and disruption of the motor activity of the lower limb.
Hematomas on legs without reason
The appearance of a hematoma on the legs without a reason, that is, in the absence of any injuries or mechanical damage, may indicate disturbances within the body. Such formations can appear both when the body's protective functions are reduced and in the presence of serious diseases.
These include, for example, hemorrhagic vasculitis, in which an aseptic inflammatory process develops in the walls of microvessels, microthrombi are formed, which have a negative effect on the vessels of the skin and internal organs. The impetus for the development of such a pathology in most patients is infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Hematomas on the legs without external damage can occur under the influence of such a disease as varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Reduced blood clotting can also lead to hematomas. Taking blood thinners, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and asthma medications can lead to the development of such conditions.
Hematomas on the legs without any apparent reason can occur as a result of a lack of vitamins C, P and K in the body, as a result of which the walls of blood vessels weaken and become damaged.
Internal causes of hematomas on the legs also include liver disease, oncological blood pathologies, insufficient strength of connective tissue, vitamin deficiency, and the presence of allergic reactions.
Symptoms of a hematoma on the leg
After receiving a leg injury - as a result of a bruise, blow or fall - a hematoma may form on it. Symptoms of a hematoma on the leg include a change in the color of the skin in the area of the bruise, pain, severe swelling or slight swelling, and an increase in body temperature. In severe leg injuries, the hematoma may pulsate, rapidly increase in size, and the pain syndrome is usually very pronounced. In very severe cases, the functioning of the injured limb may be impaired. In such a situation, emergency medical assistance is required to restore the functions of the injured limb and prevent the development of further complications.
Hematoma on the toe
A hematoma on a toe is formed as a result of its injury and damage to blood vessels. According to the severity of the injury, it can be light, moderate or severe. Depending on this, the hematoma can be either small in size or spread over the entire surface of the toe.
A hematoma on a toe is accompanied by the occurrence of pain in the damaged area, a change in the color of the skin on the toe, which can change from crimson to dark blue within a few days. On the fifth or sixth day after the formation of the hematoma, the toe can acquire a green-yellow color.
In severe trauma, the appearance of a hematoma may be accompanied by a disruption in the functioning of the finger. The patient experiences pain when trying to move the finger or step on the foot.
To provide first aid for a hematoma on a toe, apply ice or any cold object to the sore spot as soon as possible for fifteen to twenty minutes. After some time, the procedure can be repeated. This will stop the further spread of the hematoma and reduce pain. It is strictly forbidden to carry out thermal procedures when a hematoma forms.
When a hematoma forms on the toe, there may also be concomitant injury to the nail. In this case, the damaged nail should be carefully treated so that it does not affect the hematoma. Such manipulations should only be performed by a qualified specialist to prevent complications. When a subungual hematoma forms, the nail may be removed depending on the severity of the injury. After this, the damaged area is treated with an antibacterial agent and a sterile bandage is applied.
In the first days after the formation of a hematoma on the toe, it is recommended to reduce the load on the sore foot as much as possible. Subsequently, until complete healing, the toe should be treated with absorbable ointments as prescribed by the doctor, shoes should be as loose and comfortable as possible.
To treat a hematoma on a toe, you can use products such as lyoton gel, dolobene gel, rescuer, etc.
If you injure your toe and develop a hematoma, you should seek medical help to ensure there is no fracture and to choose the right treatment methods.
Internal hematoma on the leg
An internal hematoma on the leg, unlike a subcutaneous one, is localized inside the muscle. At the same time, the symptoms of these two types of hematomas are almost the same. When an injury occurs, blood vessels rupture, swelling forms at the site of the bruise, accompanied by a change in the color of the skin and pain.
In the first hours after the hematoma has formed, to reduce swelling and pain, ice should be applied to the sore spot for fifteen to twenty minutes. It is recommended to do this procedure every hour thereafter.
If complications develop, such as increased temperature, pulsation inside the formation, an increase in the size of the hematoma and swelling, or impaired motor activity of the lower limb, you must immediately consult a doctor to prevent the development of a purulent process and other complications.
Subcutaneous hematoma on the leg
A subcutaneous hematoma on the leg can be localized on the surface of the thigh, shin, knee or foot. The most common cause of a subcutaneous hematoma on the leg is an injury to the limb, such as a fall, blow, etc. As a result of damage to blood vessels, blood flows under the skin, resulting in a hematoma.
A subcutaneous hematoma on the leg can be either minor or very large. Depending on the degree of damage and the severity of symptoms, the patient may be advised to temporarily stay in bed to limit the load on the sore leg. As a rule, such measures are necessary in the case of moderate to severe injuries and the formation of very large hematomas.
At the moment of hematoma formation, pain often occurs at the site of injury, the severity of which also depends on the severity of the injury.
To provide first aid to the patient, the affected area should be treated as soon as possible, for example, with ice. It is applied to the resulting hematoma for fifteen to twenty minutes, after which a short break is taken and the procedure is repeated every hour. Such measures lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels and allow blocking the further spread of the hematoma, as well as reducing swelling and pain.
Small hematomas usually resolve on their own within a few days. To speed up the process, the sore spot can be lubricated with an ointment containing a sponge, a rescuer, troxevasin or other means for resolving hematomas.
If a large subcutaneous hematoma forms on the leg, the injured limb should be shown to a doctor to exclude associated injuries and prevent negative consequences.
In cases where thickened blood accumulates under the skin, the contents of the hematoma can be removed by puncture.
Consequences of a hematoma on the leg
Such consequences of a hematoma on the leg as the formation of an unaesthetic purple or dark blue spot on the skin are associated with the rupture of blood vessels and the accumulation of blood in the surrounding tissues. To all this, swelling and the occurrence of pain of varying degrees of severity may be added.
In case of small hematomas, treatment is usually not difficult and can be carried out at home using an ice compress and absorbable ointments. The consequences of a hematoma on the leg in such cases will be eliminated within a few days.
If the hematoma occupies a large area, increases in size, swells, pulsates and causes severe pain, you should immediately seek help from a surgeon.
The consequences of a hematoma on the leg in such cases can be very serious, up to the development of a purulent process and disruption of the functioning of the limb. Timely medical care will reduce pain and swelling and prevent the development of complications.
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Treatment of hematoma on the leg
Treatment of a hematoma on the leg depends on the severity of the injury, the size of the formation and the severity of symptoms and can be conservative or surgical.
First aid for a hematoma on the leg involves treating the injured area with cold, for example, ice cubes. Ice should be applied to the area of the hematoma as soon as possible after the injury and held for fifteen to twenty minutes. Such actions will reduce swelling and further spread of the hematoma by narrowing the blood vessels, as well as reduce pain. The procedure should be repeated every hour at intervals of twenty minutes. If the pain syndrome is very severe, the patient can take a painkiller.
Treatment of a small hematoma on the leg in most cases consists of local application of cold and absorbable ointments.
A large hematoma must be examined by a doctor. Symptoms such as severe swelling and hematoma progression against the background of severe pain, pulsation and increased temperature may indicate the development of suppuration or other complications.
When conducting a diagnosis, the doctor must ensure that the bones are intact and that there are no other associated injuries.
After the hematoma has been examined by a doctor, the necessary treatment is prescribed.
If a large amount of blood has accumulated under the skin, a hematoma puncture may be performed to drain it. Using a special thin needle, the contents of the hematoma, both blood clots and liquid blood, are extracted.
Repeated bleeding may indicate the need to cleanse the hematoma by opening it. To do this, the surgeon makes a small incision on it and removes the contents, after which he applies a vascular suture. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The cleaned cavity is treated with disinfectants, after which the patient is given a tight bandage on the damaged area.
Treatment of a hematoma on the leg also includes the use of absorbable ointments (bodyaga, veniton, dolobene and lyoton gel, etc.), physiotherapy procedures (after several days from the appearance of the hematoma) and adherence to a gentle regimen, excluding physical stress on the injured limb.
Ointment for hematoma on the leg
Ointment for hematoma on the leg Venitan is available in the form of a cream or gel and can be used from one to three times a day, depending on the indications. The dry extract of horse chestnut included in the drug helps to reduce swelling and resorption of the hematoma. Venitan is applied in a thin layer to the affected area, without rubbing. The duration of use is determined individually and depends on the severity of the symptoms. Venitan is not used for external damage to the skin and the formation of abrasions. When using Venitan, applying other medications to the skin at the site of the lesion is prohibited.
To speed up the process of hematoma resorption, you can use ointments such as lyoton gel, dolobene gel, rescuer, bodyaga, troxevasin, etc.
Surgery for hematoma on the leg
In the vast majority of cases, treatment of hematomas on the legs is carried out using conservative methods, such as applying cold and a tight bandage to the affected area, using absorbable ointments, painkillers, and physiotherapy (may be indicated only a few days after the formation of the hematoma).
However, in cases of large hematomas, the patient may undergo a puncture to remove it – pumping out liquid blood with a special needle, after which a pressure bandage is applied to the damaged area.
Surgery for a hematoma on the leg is indicated only in the case of repeated bleeding - after puncturing. In such cases, the hematoma is opened, after which the damaged vessel is treated and a suture is applied to it.
In cases of development of a purulent process, an opening and subsequent drainage of the hematoma is performed.
Removal of hematoma on the leg
Removal of a hematoma on the leg when a large amount of blood has accumulated can be accomplished by performing a puncture, especially if it has a negative effect on nearby tissues.
This procedure is performed using a special thin needle, which pumps out the contents of the hematoma. After the procedure, a pressure bandage is applied to the affected area.
Further treatment after removal of a hematoma on the leg may include physiotherapy procedures and the use of absorbable ointments.
Removal of a hematoma on the leg in the event of complications and the development of a purulent process is carried out by opening such a formation and draining its contents.
Hematoma drainage is performed under local anesthesia, after which the surgeon opens the hematoma and removes thickened and liquid blood. Then the wound is thoroughly washed with disinfectants and stitches are applied. Hematoma drainage can be performed using a rubber tube or a graduate. Upon completion of the operation, the patient is given a pressure bandage.
Further treatment consists of resting the affected limb for some time after surgery and performing physiotherapy procedures.
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Prevention of hematoma on the leg
Prevention of hematoma on the leg primarily consists of following safety rules and preventing injuries. When playing sports or doing any physical work, you should avoid falls and bruises.
If the cause of the formation of hematomas on the legs is the presence of any internal diseases, prevention of the formation of hematomas consists of their timely treatment and preventing the development of complications.
Hematoma on the leg prognosis
The prognosis for a hematoma on the leg is favorable in most cases, provided that measures are taken in a timely manner and assistance is provided correctly. If the hematoma is small and does not cause excessive discomfort, the process of its resorption usually takes several days.
Adverse effects may occur with severe injuries and the formation of large hematomas that swell greatly, pulsate, cause severe pain, and are accompanied by an increase in body temperature. With such symptoms, the risk of complications in the form of the development of a purulent process and disruption of the functioning of the injured limb is not excluded. With such signs, you should not self-medicate, you must urgently consult a doctor. This will allow you to take the necessary measures in time and prevent serious consequences.