Page 38 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine
P. 38
SENIOR RESOURCES
a wound care specialist right 2. MUSCLE HEMATOMA: 4. PAIN RELIEF:
away to help prevent infection
and speed up healing. • Swelling and firmness in the • Over-the-counter pain relievers
affected muscle like acetaminophen or
• Use a silicone dressing to ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin, as it
minimize further damage • Restricted movement or pain may increase bleeding.
during dressing changes. with use of the muscle
MODERATE OR LARGE
6. SEEK PROFESSIONAL CARE: 3. SEVERE OR INTERNAL HEMATOMAS:
HEMATOMAS:
• For severe wounds (continued MEDICAL EVALUATION:
bleeding, deep or extensive • Head: Headache, confusion,
surface area) consider a wound drowsiness, or loss of • Seek medical attention if the
care specialist appointment consciousness (indicates hematoma is large, painful, or
right away. potential intracranial continues to grow.
hematoma)
• Ensure tetanus vaccination is • Your doctor may recommend
up to date if the injury involves • Abdomen: Abdominal pain, draining the hematoma if it is
dirt or debris. swelling, or signs of internal causing significant discomfort
bleeding (e.g., pale skin, or pressure.
By addressing both the underlying dizziness, low blood pressure)
causes of falls and providing • Warmth or pus drainage (may
appropriate treatment, many falls • Joints: Pain, swelling, and indicate infection)
and their complications can be limited range of motion in a • Difficulty moving or using the
effectively managed. joint (e.g., knee or elbow)
affected area
HEMATOMA AFTER A FALL: SIGNS, • Neurological symptoms (e.g.,
SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENTS
TREATMENT FOR HEMATOMAS confusion, vision changes)
WHAT IS A HEMATOMA? Treatment depends on the size, • Signs of shock: pale skin, rapid
A hematoma is a localized location, and symptoms of the pulse, or fainting
collection of blood outside the hematoma: Timely treatment helps ensure
blood vessels, typically caused SMALL OR MILD HEMATOMAS proper healing and prevents
by trauma such as a fall. It occurs (E.G., BRUISES): complications.
when blood leaks from damaged
blood vessels and collects in tissues, 1. REST AND ELEVATION:
under the skin, or in a body cavity.
• Limit movement of the affected
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A area.
HEMATOMA
• Elevate the injured area to
The symptoms depend on the reduce swelling.
location, size, and severity of the
hematoma: 2. ICE APPLICATION:
1. SKIN OR SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE • Apply a cold pack wrapped in
HEMATOMA (BRUISE): a cloth for 15–20 minutes every
1–2 hours during the first 48
• Discolored skin (red, purple, hours.
blue, or green as it heals)
• Reduces bleeding, swelling, and
• Swelling or a firm lump under pain
the skin
3. COMPRESSION:
• Tenderness or pain at the site
• Use an elastic bandage to gently
• Warmth over the area (in some compress the area (not too
cases) tight).
38 Lubbock Senior Link
