What Are The Symptoms Of Hematoma?
apply cold packs for the first 48-72 hours
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
ice and elevation in the initial phase (48-72 hours) may help reduce swelling and promote faster healing. If no fractures are present and your hand is functional (you can move it and you can feel it) then you just have to give it some time. It should get much better in a few days.
If there are signs of inflammation like redness and warmth then you should pay another visit to the doctor for a second assessment, particularly if you've also got fever. If the injury caused skin breaks then infection is a possibility.
So in conclusion, if your hand is functional but swollen, ice and elevation can help it heal faster.
If signs of infection are present (skin break when injured, redness and warmth, perhaps with fever) then immediate medical attention is needed.
I hope I've helped!
Kind Regards!
We did ice and elevation for first 72. I am now 4 days out, and the blister is still growing.
You should visit your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for the input.
Healing usually completes within 2-4 weeks but progressive improvement is expected after the first few days. Disability to use your hand warrants for a medical assessment of your condition. Sometimes hematoma evacuation can be tried to speed up the healing process (by your doctor - of course).
You can use non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain, unless you have any contraindication to them (like peptic ulcer, allergy, kidney problems etc).
Kind Regards!
I'll describe the indications for urgent assessment
Detailed Answer:
If you have any of the above, you should visit the ER for immediate assessment:
- tense and shiny skin (like if it's very very stretched by the hematoma)
- sensory problems
- discoloration at your digits: the tips of your digits should have a normal color, if they are not injured themselves. Blue color might mean inadequate blood supply.
- motor problems: inability to move the hand for reasons other than the pain.
Kind Regards!