“While running I fell, and I have a gigantic bruise on my thigh. Do I just wait it out?”
I ran a marathon a few days ago and I fell, landing on my right side. I now have a huge bruise on my thigh and it's super painful. I have applied a gel and did hot pack. Will physical therapy help? or should I just wait it out?
8 Answers
PhysicalTherapistBruises
It’s important to care for your bruise properly to ensure it heals well. Initially, apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to help with blood flow and healing. Elevate your leg when possible. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may be beneficial if you experience mobility issues or persistent pain, but generally, most bruises heal on their own with rest and time. If the pain is severe or you notice increased swelling, seek medical advice.
That will take a couple of weeks to heal, no worries, resting and cold applications might help more than heat.
Apply ice verses heat. Heat brings blood flow to the area increasing the amount of fluid accumulated. If you have no other symptoms you should be fine with icing about 20 min throughout the day. Most likely it’s just a contusion.
I would wait it out until next week. I wouldn't heat or ice to be honest. I would allow the injury to go through its inflammatory phase for a couple days. Gently stretch, and I would go on a stationary bike to keep it mobile. If it's the front of your thigh, you're able to straighten your knee, and your leg doesn't buckle when weight bearing, I think you just have a good old fashioned contusion. Don't heat it. After about 5-6 days, you can ice it.
Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT
Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT
PT will help with sports injuries, especially if you have increased pain.
Seeing a Physical Therapist will speed your recovery noticeably as compared to just waiting it out. Treatment selections such as taping, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, cold laser and electrical stimulation will not only speed your recovery, but will also make you feel better during the healing process.
Please reach out to a physical therapist. There are many things that we can do to help in your recovery. However, it's extremely important that you do not wait too long. You do not want to develop compensatory movement patterns that can affect the amount of effort you have undergone to develop your current athletic performance.
Congratulations on your marathon! The important thing to look for are signs of a hematoma, such as hardening of tissue under the bruising, continued sensitivity to touch or if the bruising is lasting longer than usual. If so, you may benefit from physical therapy to break up the hematoma.
