Hematoma on the leg
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Hematoma on the foot - a very common phenomenon that occurs, mainly, when injuring the limb - as a result of bruises, shocks or falls.
However, such formations may occur in the presence of any internal diseases, as well as as a result of taking some medications. The site of hematoma localization on the leg may be the surface of the thigh, shin, foot or knee area.
The main symptoms in the formation of a hematoma are pain in the place of injury, swelling and discoloration of the skin. Dimensions of hematomas can range from small to very large.
Methods of treatment of hematoma on the leg are in most cases conservative, surgeon intervention is required only with the development of suppuration or other complications.
[Causes of hematoma on the leg
The causes of hematoma on the foot are often associated with injury in this area, for example, with bruises, falls, etc. As a result of injuring the soft tissues of the leg, blood vessels are damaged and a hematoma is formed, the sizes of which can range from small to very large.
Hematoma on the leg is a kind of bruise, and, consequently, the cause of its appearance is the rupture of blood vessels (arterial, venous, etc.) and the accumulation of fluid or thickened blood, formed both with open and closed injuries of the lower limb.
The cause of hematoma on the leg may be the presence of any internal diseases, the taking of some medications.
Hematoma on foot after fall
Hematoma on the foot after the fall is a fairly common phenomenon that occurs as a result of damage to the soft tissues on the leg and rupture of the blood vessels. Hematoma on the leg after falling depending on the site of impact may be localized in the region of the thigh or lower leg. 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 trauma of the foot, the hematoma causes painful sensations, palpation feels a jelly-like consistency.
Pain syndrome with the formation of a hematoma occurs due to compression and injury of surrounding tissues. If the hematoma is large, you should seek the help of a surgeon to take the necessary measures in time to prevent the development of a purulent process and other complications, especially if symptoms such as pulsation at the site of damage, severe swelling, increased body temperature, rapid hematoma progression .
Body temperature can also increase slightly and with resolution of the hematoma, pain syndrome is, as a rule, absent.
Hematoma on foot after injury
Hematoma on the foot after a bruise is quite common phenomenon, the methods of elimination of which depend on the size of the formation and the degree of damage.
The hematoma on the foot after a minor injury is accompanied by a mild pain syndrome, small in size and, as a rule, passes independently for several days. To eliminate such a hematoma often requires only the treatment of the affected area by cold in the first few hours after its formation. On the second day hematoma can be lubricated with absorbable ointment, it is possible to do this procedure for several days, until the symptoms are completely eliminated.
Hematoma on the leg after a moderate injury, accompanied by damage to the muscle tissue, causes stronger pain sensations than in the first case, and has a larger lesion area. At the same time, puffiness can be expressed at the site of the injury, the size of the hematoma may increase. To treat such damage, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
In severe foot injuries, the formation of a hematoma can be accompanied not only by damage to muscle tissue and tendons, but also by more serious symptoms, up to the disability of the limb. In such cases, the intervention of the doctor should be urgent in order to take the necessary measures in time to eliminate the hematoma and restore the functions of the injured organ.
Hematoma on leg after stroke
If the hematoma on the leg is formed after the impact, first of all, attach to the damaged ice site to reduce puffiness and prevent the spread of the hematoma. Further actions will depend on the severity of the injury and the severity of the associated symptoms.
So, with minor damages for treatment, it may be enough to lubricate the damaged area with ointment daily to dissolve the hematoma until its traces are completely eliminated.
If the hematoma on the leg after the impact causes severe pain, fever, hardens, pulsates or increases in size, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help to prevent suppuration and disruption of the motor activity of the lower limb.
Hematomas on legs without cause
The appearance of a hematoma on the legs without a cause, that is, in the absence of any injuries and mechanical damage, may indicate violations within the body. Such formations can appear both with a decrease in the protective functions of the organism, and in the presence of serious diseases.
These include, for example, hemorrhagic vasculitis, in which the aseptic inflammatory process develops in the walls of microvessels, microthrombi is formed, which has a negative effect on the vessels of the skin and internal organs. The impetus to the development of such pathology in most patients is upper respiratory tract infection.
Hematomas on the legs without external injuries can occur under the influence of such a disease as varicose veins of the lower extremities.
Reduced blood clotting can also lead to bruising. To lead to the development of such conditions can take drugs for the dilution of blood, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as drugs for the treatment of asthma.
Hematomas on the legs for no apparent reason can arise as a result of a lack of vitamins C, P and K in the body, as a result of which the walls of the vessels are weakened and damaged.
Internal causes of hematomas on the legs include liver diseases, oncological blood diseases, insufficient strength of connective tissue, beriberi, the presence of allergic reactions.
Symptoms of hematoma on the leg
After getting a leg injury - as a result of a bruise, stroke or fall - it can form a hematoma. Symptoms of hematoma on the leg include a change in the color of the skin in the area of the injury, painful sensations, severe swelling or a slight swelling, an increase in body temperature. With severe damage to the leg, the hematoma can pulsate, rapidly increase in size, the pain syndrome is usually very pronounced. In very severe cases, the functioning of the injured limb may be disturbed. In such a situation, emergency doctor's help is required to restore the functions of the injured limb and prevent the development of further complications.
Hematoma on toe
Hematoma on the toe is formed due to its injury and vascular damage. By severity, injuries can be mild, moderate or severe. Depending on this, the hematoma can be as small as possible, so spread over the entire surface of the finger.
Hematoma on the toe is accompanied by the appearance of pain in the damaged area, a change in the color of the skin on the finger, which for several days can vary from crimson to dark blue. On the fifth or sixth day after the formation of the hematoma, the finger can acquire a green-yellow color.
In severe trauma, the appearance of a hematoma may be accompanied by a dysfunction of the finger. The patient experiences pain when trying to move a finger or step on the foot.
To provide first aid in the formation of a hematoma on the toe to the sore spot, ice or any cold object should be applied for fifteen to twenty minutes as soon as possible. After a while, the procedure can be repeated. This will stop the further spread of hematoma and reduce pain. It is strictly forbidden to conduct thermal procedures when forming a hematoma.
When forming a hematoma on the toe, it is also possible to accompany the nail trauma. In this case, the damaged nail should be carefully processed, so that it does not affect the hematoma. Perform such manipulations should only a qualified specialist to prevent the development of complications. In the formation of subungual hematoma, depending on the severity of damage, the nail can be removed. 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 minimize the load on the aching leg. Subsequently, until complete healing, the finger must be treated with absorbable ointments as prescribed by the doctor, the shoes should be as free and comfortable as possible.
To treat hematoma on the toe, you can use such agents as lyoton-gel, Dolobene-gel, rescuer, etc.
In case of a finger injury on the foot and the formation of a hematoma, you should seek medical help to make sure that there is no fracture and to choose the correct methods of treatment.
Internal hematoma of the foot
The internal hematoma on the leg, in contrast to the subcutaneous one, is localized inside the muscle. The symptoms of these two types of hematomas are almost identical. When an injury occurs, a rupture of blood vessels occurs, a swelling is formed at the site of the injury, accompanied by a change in the color of the skin and painful sensations.
In the first hours after the formation of a hematoma, to reduce puffiness and painful sensations to the sore spot, ice should be applied for fifteen to twenty minutes. Further, this procedure is recommended every hour.
With the development of complications such as fever, ripple inside the formation, enlargement of the hematoma and puffiness, violation of the motor activity of the lower limb, it is urgently needed to see a doctor to prevent the development of a purulent process and other complications.
Subcutaneous hematoma on the leg
Subcutaneous hematoma on the leg can be localized on the surface of the thigh, shin, in the knee or foot area. The most common cause of subcutaneous hematoma on the leg is injury to the limb, for example, when falling, hitting, etc. As a result of damage to the blood vessels, blood is poured under the skin, resulting in a hematoma.
Subcutaneous hematoma on the leg can be either minor or very large. Depending on the degree of damage and the severity of the symptoms, the patient may be shown a temporary adherence to bed rest in order to limit the burden on the aching leg. As a rule, such measures are necessary for obtaining moderate and severe injuries and the formation of very large hematomas.
At the time of hematoma formation, painful sensations often occur at the site of injury, the severity of which also depends on the severity of the injury.
To provide first aid, the patient should treat the affected area as soon as possible, for example with ice. It is applied to the formed hematoma for fifteen to twenty minutes, after which they take a short break and repeat the procedure every hour. Such measures lead to narrowing of blood vessels and allow to block further spread of hematoma, as well as to reduce puffiness and pain.
Small bruises tend to dissolve on their own for several days. To accelerate the process, the sore spot can be lubricated with ointment with a water spray, a lifesaver, troxevasin or other means for resorption with hematomas.
When a large-sized subcutaneous hematoma is formed on the foot, it is necessary to show the injured limb to the doctor in order to avoid concomitant injuries and prevent negative consequences.
In cases of accumulation of thickened blood under the skin, the contents of the hematoma can be removed by puncture.
Consequences of hematoma on the leg
Such consequences of hematoma on the foot, like the formation on the skin of an unaesthetic crimson or dark blue spot, are associated with the rupture of blood vessels and the accumulation of blood in surrounding tissues. To all this, swelling and the appearance of pain sensations of varying severity can be associated.
With small hematomas, treatment is usually not difficult and can be done at home with an ice pack and absorbable ointments. The consequences of hematoma on the foot 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 foot in such cases can be very serious, up to the development of a purulent process and disability of the limb. Timely medical help will reduce pain and swelling and prevent the development of complications.
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Treatment of hematoma on the leg
Treatment of hematoma on the leg depends on the severity of the injury, the size of the formation and the severity of the symptoms and can be conservative or surgical.
The first help in the occurrence of hematoma on the leg is the treatment of the damaged area with cold, for example, ice cubes. Ice should be applied to the area of hematoma formation as soon as possible after getting injured and held for fifteen to twenty minutes. Such actions will reduce the swelling and further spread of the hematoma due to the narrowing of the blood vessels, as well as reduce pain. Repeat the procedure should be every hour at intervals of twenty minutes. If the pain syndrome is very severe, the patient can take an anesthetic.
Treatment of a small hematoma on the leg in most cases consists in the local use of cold and absorbable ointments.
A large hematoma must be examined by a doctor. Such symptoms as pronounced puffiness and progression of the hematoma against a background of severe pain, ripple and an increase in temperature may indicate the development of suppuration or other complications.
During the diagnosis, the doctor must ensure the integrity of the bones and the absence of other accompanying injuries.
After the hematoma is examined by a doctor, the necessary treatment is prescribed.
When a large amount of blood is accumulating under the skin, puncture of the hematoma can be performed to pump it out. Using a special thin needle, the contents of the hematoma, both blood clots, and liquid blood are extracted outside.
Repeated hemorrhage may indicate the need to clean the hematoma by opening. To do this, the surgeon makes a small incision on it and extracts the contents, then superimposes the vascular suture. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The cleared cavity is treated with disinfectants, after which the patient is placed a tight bandage on the damaged area.
Treatment of hematoma on the leg also includes the use of absorbable ointments (body-water, Veniton, gel Dolobene and Lyoton, etc.), physiotherapy procedures (after a few days after the appearance of the hematoma) and observance of sparing regimen, excluding physical exertion on the injured limb.
Ointment from hematoma on the leg
Ointment from the hematoma on the leg venitane 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, which is part of the preparation, helps to reduce puffiness and resorption of the hematoma. Venitin is applied in a small layer on the affected area, without rubbing it. Duration of use is determined individually and depends on the severity of the symptoms. Venitane is not used for external damage to the skin and the formation of abrasions. When applying venitin, application to the skin at the site of injury of other medicinal products is prohibited.
To accelerate the process of resorption with hematomas, you can use such ointments as lyoton-gel, doloben-gel, rescuer, body-water, troxevasin, etc.
Operation with hematoma on the leg
In the overwhelming majority of cases, hematomas on the legs are performed with the help of conservative methods, such as the imposition of cold and dense bandage on the affected area, the use of resorptive ointments, pain medications, physical therapy (can be shown only a few days after the formation of the hematoma).
However, in cases of a large hematoma, to eliminate it, a patient can be given a puncture - evacuation of liquid blood with a special needle, after which a pressure bandage is applied to the damaged area.
Operation with a hematoma on the leg is indicated only with a second hemorrhage after the puncture. In such cases, the hematoma is opened, after which the damaged vessel is treated and a seam is applied to it.
In cases of development of purulent process, an opening and subsequent drainage of the hematoma is performed.
Removal of a hematoma on the leg
Removal of the hematoma on the leg with the accumulation of large amounts of blood can be performed by performing puncture, especially when adversely affecting nearby tissues.
This procedure is carried out using a special thin needle, which pumped out the contents of the hematoma. At the end of the procedure, a pressure bandage is applied to the affected area.
Further treatment after removal of the hematoma on the leg may consist in carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures and using resorptive 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.
Drainage of the hematoma is carried out under local anesthesia, after which the surgeon opens the hematoma and removes the thickened and liquid blood. Further, the wound is thoroughly washed with disinfectants and seams are applied. Drainage of the hematoma can be carried out using a rubber tube or graduate. At the end of the operation, the patient is given a pressure bandage.
Further treatment is to ensure resting of the diseased limb for some time after the operation and carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures.
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Prevention of hematoma on the leg
Prevention of hematoma on the foot is primarily to comply with safety rules and prevent injuries. When doing sports or doing any physical work, you should avoid falling and bruising.
In the event that the cause of hematoma formation on the legs is the presence of any internal diseases, the prevention of hematoma formation consists in their timely treatment and prevention of the development of complications.
Forecast of hematoma on the leg
The prognosis of hematoma on the leg is in most cases favorable, provided timely measures are taken and properly provided care. If the hematoma is small and does not cause undue anxiety, the process of resorption, as a rule, takes several days.
Adverse effects can occur with severe injuries and the formation of large hematomas, which swell, pulsate, cause severe pain, accompanied by an increase in body temperature. With this symptomatology, the risk of complications in the form of development of purulent process and disruption of functioning of the damaged limb is not ruled out. With such symptoms, one should not engage in self-medication, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. This will allow to take the necessary measures in time and to prevent serious consequences.