Persistent Hard Lump Following a Golf Ball Impact
I’m a 35-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing around 125 pounds. A week ago, I was struck by a golf ball on the inner part of my upper arm. The impact caused an immediate bruise along with a noticeable lump. While the bruise is starting to fade, I still have a firm bump beneath the skin. What could this be? Typically, how long does it take for such a bump to go away?
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 1:20:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
The firm bump you're feeling after being struck by a golf ball is likely a hematoma or a localized swelling caused by the impact. These bumps can occur when blood accumulates in the tissues, forming a hard lump as the body works to heal itself. While bruising fades, the underlying lump can take longer to reduce in size.
Explanation: When you sustain an injury, blood vessels can break, causing bleeding under the skin. Initially, this results in bruising and swelling. As the body reabsorbs the blood and repairs the tissue, you might still feel a lump even after the bruise wears away. This is quite common and usually resolves on its own.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the lump: Keep an eye on it for changes in size or tenderness. If it starts getting noticeably bigger, becomes more painful, or if you develop other symptoms (like fever or redness), that may warrant further attention.
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Apply warm compresses: Gentle warmth can help increase blood flow to the area, which may assist in the resorption process. Apply a warm, damp cloth for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
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Rest and protect the area: Avoid activities that may aggravate the injury to allow proper healing.
Generally, hard lumps from impact injuries can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to resolve fully, depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing rates. If the lump persists for more than a few weeks without improvement or if you have concerns, consider seeking further evaluation.
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