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Tripped Down Stairs, Painful, Lump On Outside Of Foot, Swelling. Is It Just A Bruise?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Sep 2012
Question: hi i was walking down stairs quickly and sort of tripped and felt pain. the outsell side of my foot has a really big lump on it that started swelling almost immediately. i can walk and move my toes but the swelling is a lot and it does hurt. is it just a bruise? or should i be worried?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a sudden twist on the foot, appearance of pain, swelling with or without skin color changes, tenderness, etc are all indicative of hematoma formation either due to a fracture.
For diagnosis it is important to get an x-ray foot and a MRI scan of the area done. X-rays are very sensitive for picking up any fracture and MRI is one of the best tests for ruling out and identifying soft tissue injuries in the area of fall.
I recommend you to consult an Orthopedician for proper examination and required investigations.
Meanwhile -
1. Do a cold compress on the area of injury.
2. Avoid weight bearing on the foot.
3. Keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting.
4. Get some mild pain killers prescribed from your doctor.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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Tripped Down Stairs, Painful, Lump On Outside Of Foot, Swelling. Is It Just A Bruise?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a sudden twist on the foot, appearance of pain, swelling with or without skin color changes, tenderness, etc are all indicative of hematoma formation either due to a fracture.
For diagnosis it is important to get an x-ray foot and a MRI scan of the area done. X-rays are very sensitive for picking up any fracture and MRI is one of the best tests for ruling out and identifying soft tissue injuries in the area of fall.
I recommend you to consult an Orthopedician for proper examination and required investigations.
Meanwhile -
1. Do a cold compress on the area of injury.
2. Avoid weight bearing on the foot.
3. Keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting.
4. Get some mild pain killers prescribed from your doctor.

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.