Large, painful, or swollen bruises that develop within 30 minutes of an injury
A large, painful, swollen bruise that develops within 30 minutes of an injury could mean that a more serious injury has occurred. Serious injuries include:
- Damage to the ligament (sprain) or muscle (strain).
- A broken bone (fracture) or a dislocation.
- An injury to a medium or large blood vessel.
Broken bones, injury to blood vessels, and damage to the muscles and ligaments can all happen from the same injury. A health professional can evaluate the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment. Prompt treatment can promote healing and prevent complications.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: May 8, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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