[36F] Experiencing leg pain and swelling post-motorcycle accident

Patient Description

A 36-year-old female presents with pain and swelling in the leg, which has persisted for a month following a motorcycle accident. The pain is severe, with an intensity of 8 out of 10, and worsens when lying down at night. There is no relief from this pain in the recumbent position. Additionally, the patient reports a bulging sensation under the left buttock, described as feeling like loose skin, without associated redness, warmth, or pain. The patient has no known allergies, is not on any medications, and has no other symptoms or pre-existing conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possibilities:

  • Hematoma: After a trauma such as a motorcycle accident, blood can collect outside of the blood vessels, causing a swelling or bulge. This is known as a hematoma. Hematomas can be painful and may cause numbness if they press on a nerve.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the hematoma.
  • Muscle Strain or Tear: The trauma from the accident may have caused a strain or tear in your muscle, leading to swelling, pain, and a bulge under the skin.

    • Treatment often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy.
  • Sciatica: This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg, is irritated or compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and a bulging sensation in the affected area.

    • Treatment usually involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and in some cases, surgery.

What you can do

Please consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the meantime, you can try the following:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
  2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Compression: Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling.
  4. Elevation: Try to keep the affected area elevated to help reduce swelling.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased pain, swelling, or numbness in the affected area
  • Difficulty moving the affected leg
  • Fever or signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus in the affected area
  • Any other new or worsening symptoms

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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People Also Ask


What is a hematoma and how is it treated?

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually caused by an injury. It can cause swelling, pain, and sometimes numbness if it presses on a nerve. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), and in some cases, a doctor may need to drain it.


What are the symptoms of a muscle strain or tear?

Symptoms of a muscle strain or tear include pain, swelling, bruising, and a bulge under the skin. The affected area may also feel weak or stiff. Treatment often includes rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and physical therapy.


What causes sciatica and how can it be managed?

Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. It can cause pain, numbness, and a bulging sensation in the affected area. Management typically involves physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for leg pain and swelling?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience increased pain, swelling, or numbness in the affected area, difficulty moving the leg, fever, or signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus, or any other new or worsening symptoms.


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