How to treat the swelling and bruise on the upper thigh?
Patient: I bumped my upper thigh on a desk corner a little over a month ago. I hit it so hard I nearly dropped to the floor but I was able to get up and walk around normally several moments later so I continued my day as usual with very little pain. The next morning I noticed a small bruise and a large area of swelling within my upper thigh. There is what looks like an indented horizontal line at the distal border and swelling above almost to my hip. I was also limping AND had severe pinching sensations. An x-ray was ordered five days post injury and was negative. An MRI was ordered two weeks post injury and was also negative. From week two to three the pinching was replaced with a more tolerable aching and my gait was almost normal but the swelling remained. About three days ago (a month post injury) I started to experience the pinching sensation and I ve been limping again. I should also mention I ve been on my feet quite a lot the entire time (except on weekends) as my job requires me to be. The swelling has not noticeably receded since the day it appeared. What should I do at this point? Doctor: Hi, welcome to HCM, since x-ray and MRI were normal, what you need is local treatment. I would suggest the following. Apply ice fomentation for 10 minutes followed by heat 10 minutes followed by an anti inflammatory containing pain balm (ibuprofen/Diclofenac) Repeat twice a day and give the thigh as much rest as possible. You can strap it if it comforts you. Regards