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What Are The Symptoms Of Hematoma?

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Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015
Question: I hit the wall with my left palm, had it x-rayed due to swelling, no breaks. Now it looks like a
giant blister, a friend who is a nurse, suggested it may be a hematoma. How do I know if it is and what can it due, to relieve the pressure and the pain?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)
that's the problem, I can't hold things in my hand because of the huge blister.
We did ice and elevation for first 72. I am now 4 days out, and the blister is still growing.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (2 minutes later)
is it something I should go to the ER or can it wait until Monday and see my own DR?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3814 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Of Hematoma?

Brief Answer: 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!