Does A Hematoma Caused Due To Hitting The Arm Require Medical Attention ?

Posted on Thu, 14 Jul 2011

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

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : large hematoma just formed after i just hit my arm. i take plavix, aspirin, ranaxa for cad. should i seek immediate medical care? any first aid to be done?

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (12 minutes later)

Hi Nancynn,

Thanks for posting your query

Hematoma is formed by the collection of blood when there is internal bleeding.It usually resolves with time and rarely can be persistent.
1)Apply cold pack compresses every 20 minutes as it will help in easing the pain and will also help to resolve it.
2)If required you can take some pain killer medications available OTC.
3) An Xray of the bone near the hematoma is helpful.
4)Increase intake of Vitamin C as citrus fruits,grapefruit etc so that the immunity is good and healing is fast.
5) Regarding Aspirin & Plavix whether it is to be stopped for timebeing or not is slightly cr controversial. Please listen to your doctor.

Hope this answers your query.I will be available for follow ups.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (29 minutes later)

why and when should i ask for an Xray of the bone? Someone also suggested warm compresses after the initial pain subsides. Would you recommend this? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (26 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for the follow up

If the pain does not subside even after 2 to 3 days and increases in intensity then an X XXXXXXX would be probably required to rule out any injury.
It would be better to use cold packs initially to decrease the swelling.You can use warm compresses after 48 hours.Apply any cream or lotion containing Vitamin K as it would decrease clot formation and help in healing.

Wishing you speedy recovery!

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