Managing Persistent Swelling After a Car Accident Injury

Swelling in the leg after a car accident?

Hello Doctor: I was in a car accident on February 26, resulting in a contusion approximately 10 cm above the left ankle on the left side, which required suturing in the hospital.
Additionally, there is another contusion on the right side of the left foot, about 5 cm above the ankle, with a wound approximately 6 cm long.
This wound is deeper but was treated as a regular injury, and it has been confirmed that there is no bone damage.
My foot swelled immediately after the accident, and the sutures were removed three weeks later.
The sutured wound has shown significant improvement, while the other wound did not heal until mid-May.
It has been over two months since the accident, and the swelling in my foot has not improved.
I consulted a surgeon in the meantime, but they attributed the swelling to the unhealed wounds affecting blood circulation.
However, since the wounds have healed, the swelling in my foot remains unchanged.
I would like to ask the doctor how to manage the swelling.

Swelling condition: I elevate my foot before sleeping, and it feels more comfortable the next morning to afternoon if I do not walk too much.
However, it swells significantly at night, and when I press on it, it does not rebound and leaves a white indentation.
The swelling extends from the calf wound downwards, with the foot and toes being the most swollen.
In the same lighting, the affected areas appear dark purple but are lighter than a bruise.
Thank you, Doctor.

Cai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/10

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! If the joints can move normally, there is generally no issue.
Contusions accompanied by tears can lead to swelling that may last for up to a year.
It is recommended to elevate your legs with a pillow while sleeping at night, and also to keep your legs elevated while watching TV during the day.
Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2020/05/10

More Info

Managing persistent swelling after a car accident injury can be a challenging process, especially when the injury involves soft tissue damage, as in your case. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced significant trauma to your left ankle and surrounding areas, leading to swelling that has persisted for over two months. Here’s a comprehensive approach to understanding and managing your condition.

Understanding Swelling After Injury
Swelling, or edema, is a common response to injury. It occurs due to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, which can be a result of inflammation, trauma, or even surgical intervention. In your case, the swelling may be attributed to several factors:
1. Inflammation: After an injury, the body initiates an inflammatory response to promote healing. This can lead to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the affected area.

2. Lymphatic Drainage: The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in draining excess fluid from tissues. If this system is compromised due to injury or surgery, it can lead to persistent swelling.

3. Circulation Issues: Even if there is no bone injury, damage to surrounding soft tissues can affect blood circulation, leading to fluid retention.

4. Scar Tissue Formation: As your wounds heal, scar tissue can form, which may restrict normal movement and affect circulation, contributing to swelling.

Management Strategies
Here are some strategies you can implement to help manage the swelling in your ankle:
1. Elevation: Continue to elevate your leg, especially when resting or sleeping. Keeping your foot above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling by promoting venous return.

2. Compression: Consider using a compression bandage or stocking. This can help support the affected area and reduce swelling by applying gentle pressure.

3. Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the swollen area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin, and apply it for 15-20 minutes at a time.

4. Gentle Movement: While it’s important to rest, gentle range-of-motion exercises can help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage. Consult with a physical therapist for a tailored exercise program that suits your recovery stage.

5. Hydration and Diet: Staying well-hydrated can help your body manage fluid balance. Additionally, reducing salt intake may help minimize fluid retention.

6. Medication: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen) can help reduce swelling and pain. However, consult your doctor before starting any medication.

7. Physical Therapy: If swelling persists, consider seeking the help of a physical therapist. They can provide specialized treatments, such as manual lymphatic drainage, which can be effective in reducing swelling.

8. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you mentioned that you have already consulted with a surgeon, it’s important to keep them updated on your condition. If the swelling does not improve, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or other underlying issues.

When to Seek Immediate Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Increased pain or swelling that does not improve with home care.

- Changes in skin color (e.g., increased redness or darkening).

- Warmth or tenderness in the swollen area, which could indicate infection.

- Symptoms of DVT, such as swelling in one leg, pain, or warmth.

Conclusion
Persistent swelling after an injury can be frustrating, but with proper management and care, you can work towards recovery. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional guidance when needed. Remember that healing takes time, and patience is key. Keep monitoring your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and support.

Similar Q&A

Managing Swelling After a Car Accident: Effective Remedies and Tips

On February 15th of this year, I was involved in a car accident, resulting in a bruise on my left knee, an abrasion on my right knee, and a sprained ligament in my right ankle. I saw a doctor for treatment for a week and thought I was better, so I returned to work. However, my co...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding your inquiry, it is first recommended to clarify the status and cause of the edema. Please have an orthopedic or rehabilitation physician assess the local condition after the injury. Additionally, it is important to rule out any other systemic causes. Changhua Ho...

Persistent Facial Swelling After Car Accident: What to Do?

Six months ago, I was in a car accident that resulted in three fractures of the zygomatic bone and multiple abrasions. I underwent surgery on my face, but now my face is still swollen, and I can clearly see that one side is larger than the other when I look in the mirror. I have ...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! It has been six months since the acute phase, and there is no infection. Should the swelling be monitored to see if the fracture site has completely healed? If the fracture has fully healed, the swelling will gradually subside on its own as the local veins and lymphatic ve...

Managing Swelling and Bruising After a Car Accident: A Guide

On the evening of February 27, a car accident occurred, resulting in a collision with a utility pole. The emergency diagnosis indicated a concussion, with significant hematomas on the left posterior region of the brain and the left forehead. After the first day of ice application...

Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery
Hello: It is common to experience localized hematoma and bruising at the site of head trauma a few days after the injury. If you experience any loss of consciousness or weakness in your limbs, you can apply ice packs for the first three days, followed by heat therapy after that. ...

Managing Muscle Tears and Fluid Accumulation After a Car Accident

Hello, doctor. Last April, I was involved in a car accident after work, which resulted in a muscle tear on the outer side of my thigh. During the recovery process, I developed a fluid accumulation of about 1500 ml. Initially, I thought my body would absorb the blood and fluid fro...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! The cavity formed by this type of contusion hematoma usually resolves gradually with ultrasound-guided aspiration in an outpatient setting. If there is persistent fluid accumulation, some physicians may administer antibiotics into the cavity, which can help it adhere over ...