Suggest Treatment For Bruised Elbow With Lump

Posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 6 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I tripped and fell in my garage this morning- landed on my left side-hitting my left arm and leg. Just below my elbow a large soft lump has developed and it is blue (bruised badly around it). It is just a little sore. Is it ok to watch this for a couple days? I am 50 and in good health. I am suspecting this is a hematoma from the trauma of the force of the fall, and that it should dissolve on its own in a few days

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It's a hematoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Provided you can use your arm and leg (which almost certainly means there is no fracture) you can wait. It will be absorbed within the next 2 weeks.
Signs that should raise concerns include: a tense skin above the bruised area, tingling or other abnormal sensation, intense pain when touching the injured area or moving.

I hope I've helped!
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Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T