Knot On Thigh After A Fall. Was A Hematoma. Sometimes Painful. What Can Be Done?

Posted on Mon, 9 Apr 2012

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

Mon, 9 Apr 2012 Answered on

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell onto concrete steps two weeks ago. Went to ER, x-rays negative. I had a grapefruit-sized knot on the side of my thigh which they said was a hematoma. My leg was bruised about 40% of surface for 10 days. Now bruising is gone and lump is still there, about softball-size. It is painful locally. My doctor is on vacation and not sure what to do.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (-4 hours later)

Hello and thanks for the query.
As your doctor told you,it is a hematoma which is caused by the collection of blood.
This collection of blood and fluid will take around three weeks to get absorbed of it's own.
Since you don't have much pain and it is gradually reducing in size,you don't have to do anything.
Just wait and watch and relax.
You may apply some local heat for reduction of pain,if necessary.
I hope to have addressed your concern however you can revert to me for any follow up query.
Thanks and best of luck.

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

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (11 hours later)

Thank you. You have eased my concerns. I have one more question, though: Should I be limiting my activities still? I would like to return to the gym and possibly Zumba class and would be willing to use my pain level as a guide to not overdo it.

Thanks much!

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)

Hello
Yes,you are right.
Use your pain levels as the guide.
You shall be alright in another few days.
Thanks
Regards

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