Hematoma Treatment

By Amelia Son PTA

Hematoma or Bruise

Hematomas are a collection of clotted blood outside of blood vessels. They are usually the result of injuring a blood vessel wall.  This causes blood to flow or seep into the surrounding areas. It is a common issue that affects many people. Sometimes it is presenting under the skin and usually presents as a purple-colored bruise.  Sometimes the hematoma can be deeper in the body and cannot always be visible.  Therefore, if you have a bruise that is not going away, you need to seek medical attention.

At times, the contusion will form a lump and it can be tender to touch.  Here are some of the common hematomas:

• Ear or aural hematoma: Found between the ear cartilage and overlying skin.
• Hepatic hematoma: Found in the liver.
• Intra-abdominal, peritoneal, or retroperitoneal hematoma: Found inside the abdominal cavity.
• Intracranial epidural hematoma: Found between the skull and the outer lining of the brain.
• Spinal epidural hematoma: Found between vertebrae and the outer lining of the spinal cord.
• Splenic hematoma: Found in the spleen.
• Subdural hematoma or concussion: Found between the brain tissue and the inner lining of the brain.
• Subungual hematoma: Found under the nail.

Hematomas resolve on their own by the clotting of blood being removed and the vessels healing themselves. Other times, medical intervention will help to treat the hematoma.

Hematomas are caused by damaging the blood vessel wall. This can be done in many ways but most commonly done by hitting or even lightly bumping into an object. They can be more severe when the trauma is more dramatic, like a fall from a high distance or being hit with something with a high velocity.

Treatment of Hematoma’s

Treatment can differ depending on the hematoma. Depending on location and symptoms, a hematoma can be a medical emergency. You should seek immediate attention.  There are ways of treating superficial hematomas on one’s own time.  The best way to treat these hematomas or bruises is with the simple acronym RICE. RICE is as follows:

• Rest: Resting and avoiding further trauma to the area.
• Ice: Apply ice to the area four to eight times a day for twenty to thirty minutes at a time. Make sure always to have a barrier between your skin and the ice to avoid further injury to the skin.
• Compression: There are multiple ways to achieve compression. The most common are elastic bandages and compression sleeves.  Compression stockings or socks are also useful.
• Elevation: Keeping the injured elevated above the level of one’s heart.

RICE helps decrease overall inflammation of the area and decreases symptoms.  If the symptoms do not decrease with the above plan, please seek medical advice from a professional.

Medical treatment for a hematoma with extreme symptoms may require surgery.  Sometimes surgical drainage is necessary, depending on the location and symptoms following.  This is most commonly necessary for a subdural hematoma if it causes headaches, confusion, or weakness.  To learn more about the treatment of concussions, please go to: Concussions 

It is important to monitor the progress and seek medical advice if there are any uncertainties with all injuries.

JOI Rehab

Whether you are suffering from hematoma issues, give us a call.  If you have joint pain, or injuries resulting from any activity, JOI has physical therapy clinics conveniently located in Jacksonville and Northeast FL who specialize in orthopedic rehab.

Therefore, if you are interested in scheduling an appointment at JOI Rehab for physical therapy, call (904) 858-7045. Come see us!

Related Articles: Direct Access to Physical Therapy and Hip Pointer Recovery Time. 

 

JOI Physician Appointments

If your bruise or contusion does not heal in a few days or you want it evaluated, please give JOI a call.  Our physicians are all currently accepting new patients. Finally, to schedule with a JOI MD, please call 904-JOI-2000 or schedule online.

By: Amelia Son, PTA