Lingering Pain After a Deep Bruise
I’m a 35-year-old male, standing at 6 feet and weighing 250 pounds. I do not have any chronic health issues, and I take an average of 10 mg of Adderall per day for ADHD, typically on weekdays only. My blood pressure is good, and I generally consider myself in decent health. A few months back, while working as a builder, I was on an incomplete deck when I slipped on a poorly placed piece of plywood. Upon falling, my thigh struck a joist with significant force. The impact was severe enough that I remained underneath the deck for around half an hour before I managed to get up and return home. I developed a substantial bruise, accompanied by considerable swelling and tenderness that lasted for about two weeks. Despite the pain, I returned to work the following day, using Tylenol and taking breaks to manage my discomfort. I recall feeling slightly lightheaded from the pain, but it was still manageable. Fast forward to now, and while the bruise itself has completely healed, I’m still experiencing a hard knot in my leg at the impact site. When I press on that area, it is quite painful, especially if I accidentally sit on it. The knot feels embedded deep within the muscle tissue, and there is also a slight numbness in the skin above it when I touch it, which adds to my concern. I am wondering if there might have been a severe muscle tear or some other injury, as I have dealt with bruises before that resolved within a couple of days. This lingering issue has me feeling uneasy. I would appreciate any insights on what I might be facing and how long I should expect this type of condition to take to heal. Should I be more cautious regarding this matter?
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 9:50:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your lingering pain and the hard knot in your thigh after such an impactful injury. The symptoms you describe suggest that you may be experiencing residual muscle tension or a condition like myositis (muscle inflammation), which can occur after a deep bruise. It’s important to address these symptoms thoughtfully.
Main Points:
- Lingering Pain and Knot: This may be due to muscle tightness or inflammation rather than a severe muscle tear.
- Numbness: The slight numbness you're feeling could indicate nerve irritation in that area, but this is often temporary.
- Healing Time: Muscle trauma can take weeks to months to fully resolve.
Explanation:
After a deep bruise, it’s common to have prolonged soreness and swelling in the affected area. The hard knot you feel could be a result of muscle fibers tightening in response to the injury. When muscles or surrounding tissues are injured, they can create nodules, often referred to as trigger points, which may remain tender even after the bruise has healed. The numb sensation may be due to pressure on nearby nerves during your initial injury or ongoing muscle tightness.
Next Steps:
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Gentle Stretching and Massaging: Start with gentle stretching exercises for your leg to relieve tightness. Consider light self-massage over the area to help improve blood flow and reduce tension.
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Apply Heat Therapy: Using a warm compress or heating pad on the knot can help relax the muscle and reduce pain.
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Pain Management: Continue with the Tylenol as needed but avoid over-relying on it. If pain persists, considering an anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen) may help, if you don't have contraindications for its use.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes. If the knot does not improve with self-care in a few weeks, or if symptoms like numbness worsen, it may indicate a need for further evaluation.
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Limit Impact Activities: Be cautious with activities that exert pressure on that area (like sitting heavily). Adjust how you sit to reduce pressure on the impacted site.
Remember, while this information can be helpful, it's important to stay aware of your body. If your symptoms do not show improvement, or if you experience new or worsening symptoms, reassessing the situation may become necessary. Take care, and prioritize your healing.
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