Hard Lumps Under Skin After Bruise: When to Seek Medical Advice

A hard lump under the skin after a bruise has disappeared?

Hello Dr.
Liao, on August 23rd, I accidentally hit my abdomen (the bruised area is approximately where the small intestine is located) against the top of a ladder while coming down (I was on the upper bunk).
It was extremely painful at the time and there was bruising.
A week later, the bruise disappeared.
Recently, I noticed that when I touched the area to check if it had healed, I felt a large and a small lump (or possibly a hematoma) that hurt when pressed lightly.
Is this normal? If it is normal, how long will it take for these lumps to go away? My mother suggested that I go to an orthopedic clinic for an X-ray and consultation.
Should I really go to the orthopedic clinic, or should I visit the local hospital instead? I have looked up related information online, but it mostly says to wait 2-3 weeks to see if it resolves.
Since I am somewhat skeptical of the information online, I wanted to ask for a professional doctor's advice.
🙏

Michael, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/05

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, based on your description, did you get hit on August 23rd of last year? Regardless of the situation, we strongly recommend that a parent accompany you to see a general surgeon for an evaluation.
Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person examination and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/08/05

More Info

When dealing with hard lumps under the skin after a bruise, it is essential to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical advice. In your case, you experienced a bruise after hitting your abdomen against a ladder, and now you have noticed hard lumps in the area where the bruise was located. This situation can be concerning, and it is wise to seek professional medical advice.

Understanding Hard Lumps After a Bruise
After a bruise, it is not uncommon for the body to form hard lumps, which can be due to several reasons:
1. Hematoma Formation: A hematoma occurs when blood collects outside of blood vessels, often due to trauma. This can create a firm lump under the skin, which may be painful to touch. Hematomas can take time to resolve, and their size may fluctuate as the body reabsorbs the blood.

2. Scar Tissue: In some cases, the body may form scar tissue as part of the healing process. This can feel firmer than the surrounding tissue and may persist even after the bruise has healed.

3. Inflammation: The body’s inflammatory response to injury can also lead to localized swelling and firmness in the area.

When to Seek Medical Advice
While some hard lumps may resolve on their own, there are specific signs that indicate you should seek medical attention:
- Persistent Pain: If the lumps are painful, especially if the pain worsens over time, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

- Increasing Size: If the lumps are growing in size or if new lumps are forming, this could indicate a complication that requires evaluation.

- Changes in Color or Temperature: If the skin over the lumps becomes red, warm, or shows other signs of infection, you should seek medical care.

- Duration: If the lumps persist beyond a few weeks without improvement, it is wise to have them evaluated.

Where to Go for Treatment
Given your symptoms, visiting a healthcare provider is essential. You mentioned your mother suggested going to an orthopedic clinic. While orthopedic specialists can assess musculoskeletal injuries, your situation may also warrant a visit to a primary care physician or an urgent care facility, especially if you are experiencing significant pain or if the lumps are concerning.

- X-rays: If there is a suspicion of a fracture or other underlying issues, an X-ray may be necessary. An orthopedic specialist can perform this imaging and provide a diagnosis.

- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical examination to assess the lumps and determine the best course of action.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is common to have hard lumps after a bruise, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience persistent pain, increasing size of the lumps, or any other concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the necessary guidance and peace of mind regarding your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Hard Lumps After Bruises: When to Seek Medical Attention

On December 20, 2019, I was involved in a car accident where the inner side of my right thigh struck a stone pillar, resulting in minor abrasions but no bone injury. Afterward, I developed large bruises, and the scab from the abrasion eventually fell off on its own. By January 2,...

Dr. Peng Xianwen reply Surgery
It's difficult to make a judgment based solely on this description; it's best to visit the clinic in person for a better assessment.

Understanding Bruises and Hard Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice

When I was in the third grade of elementary school, I slipped on a wet surface while going down the stairs and bumped my thigh near the outer side close to the hip. At that time, I had a large bruise, but I didn't pay much attention to it. Now that I am in the third year of ...

Dr. Wu Huixiong reply Family Medicine
It is advisable for you to visit a medical facility for an examination. Wishing you good health!

Managing Facial Bruises and Hard Lumps in Children After Falls

Hello Dr. Huang: My child fell while walking and hit their face against a table, resulting in a large bruise (but no broken skin). After one to two weeks of applying warm compresses, most of the bruise has faded, but a small portion of the bruise and a soft, hard lump underneath ...

Dr. Huang Junxiong reply Surgery
Hello: According to your description, this mass may be a localized hematoma or seroma, or it could be localized fibrosis. It is recommended to visit a surgical outpatient clinic for diagnosis and management. Dr. Huang Jun-Hsiung.

Understanding Bruises and Hard Lumps After a Fall: What to Expect

Dear Doctor: I had a car accident and fell, resulting in bruising and a lump in the muscle above my thigh near the knee. The bruise is starting to fade, but why is the lump still there? What should I do? Will the lump never go away?

Dr. Liu Jinyong reply Family Medicine
Due to a car accident, there was an impact on the thigh above the knee, resulting in muscle contusions and a hard lump in that area. The cause is attributed to the rupture of blood vessels surrounding the thigh above the knee due to the impact, leading to a hematoma. The presence...