Leg Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Leg problems?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
Last August, I was in a car accident where my right foot made a loud noise upon hitting the ground, and my left foot was pinned under a falling motorcycle.
Upon being taken to the hospital, it was discovered that I had severe dislocations and comminuted fractures in both thighs, knees, and calves.
After treatment, I was discharged from the hospital.
In June of this year, I was involved in another minor car accident but did not sustain significant injuries, so I returned home.
The next day, I noticed a large bruise on my right thigh and left knee, which I thought was normal.
However, the following day, I developed more bruises, and for five consecutive days, new bruises appeared, spreading from both thighs down to both calves.
A few days later, my entire legs were covered in bruises, making the skin unrecognizable.
I experience severe pain, weakness, and intense numbness whenever I walk.
What could be happening, and how should I address this?

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/10/16

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

Bruises may occur due to bleeding from muscle impact.
After an injury, you can apply heat to alleviate swelling after three days.
If there is pain, over-the-counter analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications can be taken for treatment.

Reply Date: 2021/10/16

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your injuries and the pain you're experiencing. Based on your description, it sounds like you have sustained significant trauma to your legs from the car accidents, which has led to complications such as bruising and possibly other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Understanding Leg Injuries
Causes:
Leg injuries can occur due to various reasons, including trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. In your case, the car accidents resulted in severe injuries, including dislocations and comminuted fractures, which can lead to complications like bruising, swelling, and pain.

Symptoms:
The symptoms you are experiencing, such as extensive bruising, pain, weakness, and numbness, are common following significant trauma. Bruising occurs when blood vessels are damaged, leading to bleeding under the skin. This can happen in the context of fractures or soft tissue injuries. The pain and weakness you feel when walking could be due to several factors, including:
1. Soft Tissue Damage: Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments can cause pain and limit mobility.

2. Nerve Compression or Damage: If there is swelling or hematoma formation, it can compress nearby nerves, leading to numbness or weakness.

3. Post-Traumatic Stress: Sometimes, the psychological impact of trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, including pain and anxiety about movement.

Treatment Options
1. Medical Evaluation: Given the severity of your symptoms and the history of significant leg injuries, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough examination and may order imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs) to assess for any new fractures, soft tissue injuries, or complications from previous injuries.

2. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can help manage pain. However, if your pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

3. Rest and Elevation: Resting your legs and keeping them elevated can help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid putting weight on your legs until you have been evaluated by a healthcare professional.

4. Physical Therapy: Once the acute phase of your injury has passed, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can help you regain strength and mobility in your legs through targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques.

5. Compression and Ice: Applying ice packs to the bruised areas can help reduce swelling and pain. Compression bandages may also assist in managing swelling.

6. Monitoring for Complications: It's essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice increased swelling, redness, warmth, or if your pain worsens, seek medical attention immediately, as these could be signs of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or infection.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms suggest that you may be experiencing complications from your previous injuries, and it is vital to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. They can provide a tailored treatment plan based on your specific condition. Remember, early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek help. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these issues promptly will aid in your recovery.

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