How Long Does Swelling and Bruising Last After a Scrape?

Will swollen and bruised wounds take a long time to heal?

Hello, previously I had a scrape, and there is a swollen area near the wound that is not bruised, while another area has a large bruise (both are close to the wound).
Initially, when the wound was still healing, the swollen area felt like the sensation in my foot when it’s numb, as if I had no feeling while walking.
The wound has now healed for over a month, but the swollen area and the bruised area still hurt when pressed or bumped (the swollen area no longer has that numb sensation, and the bruise has faded for a long time).
Since the wound is near my knee, I am hesitant to kneel or put pressure on it, and this situation has persisted for a month.
Will it completely resolve in the future? Does it take a long time? Thank you.

mian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/03

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! If there is swelling without bruising, it may indicate a hematoma located deeper.
It is advisable to incise and drain the clot directly in the outpatient clinic; otherwise, it may take a long time to absorb, or it may not absorb at all, leading to the formation of a capsule.
In that case, surgical intervention would be necessary to remove the capsule.
Wishing you a speedy recovery from Changhua Hospital!

Reply Date: 2016/03/03

More Info

After a scrape or injury, it is common to experience swelling and bruising in the affected area. The duration of these symptoms can vary based on several factors, including the severity of the injury, individual healing processes, and the specific location of the injury.
Typically, swelling can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. In most cases, the initial swelling should start to subside within 48 to 72 hours after the injury. However, if the swelling persists beyond this timeframe, it may indicate that there is ongoing inflammation or even an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Bruising, on the other hand, usually takes longer to resolve. Bruises can change color as they heal, transitioning from a dark purple or blue to green and yellow before eventually fading away. This process can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the extent of the bruising.

In your case, since the scrape has healed for over a month but you are still experiencing pain in the swollen and bruised areas, it is essential to consider a few possibilities. The pain you feel when pressing on these areas could be due to residual inflammation or sensitivity in the tissues surrounding the injury. Sometimes, even after the visible signs of bruising have faded, the underlying tissues may still be healing, which can lead to discomfort.

Additionally, the sensation you described, similar to numbness or tingling, could have been a result of nerve irritation or compression due to swelling. If this sensation has resolved but you still experience pain, it may indicate that the tissues are still recovering from the trauma.
It is also important to note that the location of your injury, near the knee, can contribute to prolonged discomfort. The knee joint is complex, and injuries in this area can affect surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to a longer recovery time.
In terms of whether the swelling and pain will completely resolve, most cases do improve over time. However, if you continue to experience pain or if the swelling does not decrease, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out any underlying injuries, such as a ligament strain or a small fracture that may not have been initially apparent.

In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms by following some general care guidelines. Resting the affected area, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and elevating your leg can be beneficial. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate discomfort. If you find that certain movements or positions exacerbate your pain, it may be wise to avoid those until you have fully healed.

In conclusion, while swelling and bruising can take time to resolve, most individuals experience significant improvement within a few weeks. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure proper healing and to rule out any complications.

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