HAND HEMATOMA |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A collection of pooled blood in a small space on the back or palm of the hand.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Back or palm of the hand.
Soft tissue surrounding the hematoma, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Swelling over the injury site.
Fluctuance (feeling of tenseness to the touch, like pushing on an overinflated balloon).
Tenderness.
Redness that progresses through several color changes--purple, green-yellow and yellow--before it completely heals.
CAUSESDirect blow to the hand, usually with a blunt object. Bleeding into the tissue causes the surrounding tissue to be pushed away.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact sports, especially if the hand is not adequately protected.
Medical history of any bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
Poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiency.
Use of anticoagulants or aspirin.
HOW TO PREVENT
Protect the hand with padding if there is a risk of hand injury during participation in athletic activity.
If you must compete before healing, use tape, padding, splints or a cast to prevent reinjury.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's care unless the hematoma is very small.
Needle aspiration of blood from the hematoma if the hematoma is accessible. At the same time, hyaluronidase (an enzyme) can be injected into the hematoma space. Hyaluronidase hastens absorption of the blood.
Self-care for minor hematomas, or during the rehabilitation phase following serious hematomas.
Physical therapy for serious hematomas.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Physical exam and medical history by a doctor for all except minor injuries.
X-rays of the injured area to assess the total injury and to rule out underlying bone fractures. Total extent of the injury may not be apparent for 48 to 72 hours.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection introduced through a break in the skin at the time of injury, or during aspiration of the hematoma by a doctor.
Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon.
Calcification of the blood remaining in the hematoma, if blood has not been completely removed or absorbed.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEAverage healing time is 2 weeks to 2 months unless blood is removed with aspiration. Healing time is much less with this treatment.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDUse instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. See Appendix 1 for details.
CONTINUING CARE
Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.
After 48 hours, localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers, compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments and liniments, or whirlpools.
Don't massage the hand. You may trigger bleeding again.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use:
Non-prescription medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Topical liniments and ointments.
Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine for pain, if needed.
ACTIVITYBegin activities slowly and stop exercise as soon as pain begins. Increase activity as healing progresses. To prevent delayed healing, protect the hematoma area against excessive motion soon after injury. Motion breaks down the clot and causes irritation throughout the hand, leading to possible scar formation, calcification and limited movement after healing.
DIETDuring recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.
REHABILITATION
Begin daily rehabilitation exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed.
Use a gentle ice massage for 10 minutes before and after workouts. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
See section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have signs or symptoms of a hand hematoma that doesn't begin to improve in 1 or 2 days.
Skin is broken and signs of infection (drainage, increasing pain, fever, headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling) occur.
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