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How Can A Bruise On The Upper Thigh Be Treated?

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Posted on Tue, 23 May 2017
Question: I suffered a significant bruise to my upper thigh 5 days ago. (I got out of the car I was driving, inadvertently leaving it in gear. When I realized it was moving backward, I attempted to stop it, standing on the pavement, between the open door and the steering wheel. The car picked up speed and knocked me over onto the pavement. The open door passed over me, striking me hard on the upper, outer side and back of my leg. The leg immediately began to swell and one particular area felt as though I had a thick folded wallet inside my slacks. I had no difficulty walking. When I returned home ASAP and could inspect the area, I was amazed how dark purple the bruising already had become. I kept my leg elevated and iced the area on and off most of that night. By the next morning, the bruising extended from just below my butt to my knee and wrapped around my leg from the lateral front portion of the outer side to the middle lateral portion of the back of my leg. I've had nod difficulty walking. My question is, at this point in time, I do not have to worry about compartmental syndrome, right? I am a 73 yr old nurse who decided to wait it out rather than see my physician, and to be honest, did not even consider the possibility of compartment problems till 2 days post injury. Family members are not pleased with me because it looks so ghastly, but it should be OK don't you think? Or do I indeed need to see my primary MD?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should get an Ultrasound of the affected lower limb.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Please post a pic if you have no objection.
As per your description, it looks like a big bruise.But,haematoma i. e, collection of blood has to be excluded .
Ultrasound of the affected lower limb will confirm the diagnosis.
Regarding Vascularity and Compartmental syndrome,the COLOUR DOPPLER Probe of the Ultrasound machine will give a clue.
Please consult your doctor and get an Ultrasound to exclude Haematoma .If Haematoma is present, it has to be evacuated.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health and speedy recovery.
Regards
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Hari Charan Perigela

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1995

Answered : 2716 Questions

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How Can A Bruise On The Upper Thigh Be Treated?

Brief Answer: You should get an Ultrasound of the affected lower limb. Detailed Answer: Hi Please post a pic if you have no objection. As per your description, it looks like a big bruise.But,haematoma i. e, collection of blood has to be excluded . Ultrasound of the affected lower limb will confirm the diagnosis. Regarding Vascularity and Compartmental syndrome,the COLOUR DOPPLER Probe of the Ultrasound machine will give a clue. Please consult your doctor and get an Ultrasound to exclude Haematoma .If Haematoma is present, it has to be evacuated. Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further. Wish you good health and speedy recovery. Regards