OpenHealth Q&A

Sustained a Severe Impact Against a Wall Five Days Ago, Experiencing Persistent Pain

A 47-year-old woman from Canada, who is overweight (I mention this as it might be relevant), encountered an unfortunate mishap at work last Thursday. While trying to navigate around an obstacle, I tripped and, in a misguided attempt to regain my balance, accelerated my momentum instead. I collided forcefully with a wall, mainly impacting my left hip and shoulder, while also making a notable connection with my head. The force was so considerable that it created a hole in the wall, which was no ordinary thin surface. I was unable to budge the wall with my hand while I awaited security assistance. Initially, my hip was in considerable pain, yet I was still able to walk without discomfort. I did experience slight dizziness and mild head pain. After being assessed by emergency medical services, they recommended a trip to the emergency room for further evaluation of my head injury. However, I opted out of that suggestion, not wishing to endure a lengthy wait just to be told I might have a mild concussion that required monitoring. Fortunately, my head feels normal now; my hip, however, tells a different story. I created a diagram for reference. The purple region represents a large, dark bruise that didn’t appear until nearly two days had passed. It is the only bruise I have, apart from a small, hidden mark on my arm. Strangely enough, most of the pain is not located where the bruise is, but rather in the yellow area. This region is tender to the touch and has a tight, hot sensation. While there isn't a constant pain, any movements—be it bending, using stairs, walking, or turning in bed—trigger discomfort. It’s a sharp pain, though not excruciating. However, when pressure is applied, such as when sitting or resting against something, the pain can escalate to an intense, stabbing sensation. Considering my size provides a considerable amount of cushioning there, I'm fairly certain that my injury isn't bone-related. It feels more like an issue with the tissue or muscle. It raises the question: why is the discomfort in this area so pronounced even after several days, while the actual bruise is only mildly sore? I'm planning to seek medical attention, but I just learned that my doctor will be going on a year-long leave starting in July, which likely means she’ll be quite busy before her departure.

Answers (1)

6/24/2025, 10:50:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

Given your recent injury and the pain you're experiencing five days after the impact, it’s important to address your concerns clearly. It sounds like you may be dealing with a soft tissue injury, which can include muscle strains or contusions, rather than a fracture, especially if the pain isn't directly at the site of the bruise.

Explanation

When you collide with something solid, the force can cause damage not only where you see bruising but also deeper within the muscles and surrounding tissues. The "tight, hot sensation" and tenderness in the yellow area suggest inflammation and possibly muscle strain. Soft tissue injuries can take time to heal, leading to prolonged discomfort even after the initial bruising appears.

Next Steps

1. Rest and Protect the Area: Avoid activities that could aggravate your hip and shoulder. Listen to your body; if certain movements are painful, try to modify or limit them.

2. Manage Pain and Inflammation:

   • Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every hour, especially in the first couple of days following the injury. Make sure to use a cloth to protect your skin.
   • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.

3. Gentle Stretching and Mobility: Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated, which may help decrease stiffness. If exercises cause pain, stop and try again later.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms over the next few days. If you experience increasing pain, swelling, or have difficulty moving, that could indicate a more serious issue.

5. Seek Medical Attention: Given your history and that your pain is persistent, it would be wise to schedule an appointment with your doctor or an urgent care clinic to assess your injury more thoroughly, especially if the pain worsens or doesn't improve with conservative care.

It's understandable to feel apprehensive having just sustained an injury, especially with ongoing pain. Be kind to yourself and prioritize your healing. If you have any more questions or need further support, feel free to ask.