Should You Be Concerned About Numbness with Bruising After a Week?
I’m a 19-year-old female with no notable medical background or current medications. A week ago, I took a spill while skating and landed hard on my hip, resulting in a large, swollen bump on the back of my upper thigh. Initially, I used the RICE method for two days, and the bruise developed into a dark purple and blue mark, roughly 12 centimeters wide. During the first few days, I experienced discomfort while walking, yet I stayed fairly active by going for walks and dancing. The pain has lessened to just mild soreness when I make sudden movements like jumping. Currently, the bruise has changed to a reddish-purple hue, indicating some healing, but I am still experiencing numbness in the area. While there seems to be a slight improvement in the sensation, it’s hardly noticeable. Do you think I should seek medical advice? By the way, I’m of Indian descent, stand 5'6'' tall, weigh 58 kilograms, and consume alcohol occasionally.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 10:30:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great to see that you’re healing after your fall, but the continued numbness you're experiencing may warrant closer attention. Here are the main points to consider:
- Bruising and Healing: It's normal for bruises to change color as they heal. Given that the bruise is showing signs of improvement, this is a positive sign.
- Numbness: Numbness in the area after a traumatic injury could indicate nerve compression or damage, which is something to monitor closely.
Explanation:
The numbness you feel could be due to several reasons, such as swelling pressing on nearby nerves or minor nerve injury from the impact. The fact that it’s only slightly improving over the week may suggest that your body is taking longer to recover in that area. While it’s good that you’re not in severe pain, persistent numbness, especially if it doesn't resolve or worsens, should not be ignored.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in numbness. Note if it improves, worsens, or if you notice new symptoms like sharp pain, increased swelling, or changes in mobility.
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Gentle Movement: It’s good that you've stayed active, but be cautious of activities that could strain the area. Gentle stretching around the hip and thigh may encourage blood flow and aid recovery without overdoing it.
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Rest and Ice if Necessary: If you notice increased swelling or pain, continue using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) as you did initially.
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Evaluate the need for medical advice: If the numbness persists for more than two weeks, worsens, or if you develop new symptoms, seeking medical advice would be wise. A healthcare professional may recommend an assessment or imaging to rule out any underlying issues.
Stay observant of your symptoms and take care! If you have more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask.
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