Foot Hematoma

A collection of pooled blood within constricted space on the top of the foot (dorsum) or bottom of the foot (plantar area).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Dorsum or plantar area.
• Soft tissue surrounding the hematoma, including nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels.

Causes

Direct injury, usually from a blunt object or from landing on a hard surface. Bleeding into tissues then causes the surrounding tissue to be pushed away.

Signs & Symptoms

• Swelling over the injured area.
• Fluctuance (feeling of tenseness to the touch, like pushing on an over inflated balloon).
• Tenderness.
• Redness that progresses through several color changes-purple, green-yellow, yellow-before it completely heals.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

• Continue ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After 48 hours localized heat promotes healing by increasing blood circulation in the injured area. Use hot baths, showers, compresses, heat lamps, heating pads, heat ointments and liniments, or whirlpools.
• Don't massage the foot. You may trigger bleeding again.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

Wear appropriate, well-designed shoes during competition or other athletic activity to decrease the risk of foot injury .