Ask a doctor on the topic of Surgery

severe bruising

December 19, 2017 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

On 12.12, a supplier placed a Euro pallet with a weight of 750 kg momentarily on my ankle (right). The edge of the pallet was probably at the level of the ankle, as I had a deep indentation there. After a few hours, the entire foot was swollen, with a slight abrasion visible at the level of the ankle. I treated the swelling with Exhirud 60,000 I.E., and the swelling significantly reduced on the inside of the foot and on the instep. Initially, I only covered the slight abrasion with a plaster, but since it had become infected, I have been applying a gauze bandage with Betadine ointment four times a day since Friday noon. The red wound edge around the wound (not oozing) is getting slightly larger every day. I also have pain above the wound. I believe it is the tendon of the big toe that is hurting there. I often feel a stabbing and pulling sensation in the entire foot. The instep is very sensitive to pressure. Is this pulling and stabbing sensation a normal pain of healing? Can I continue treating with both ointments? I will attach pictures of day 0 and day 4.

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Good morning,
judging by the images, subcutaneous tissue has been crushed and is now being removed by the body. This process causes the wound to not get smaller, but rather larger.
For now, it seems like you can continue using the ointments, but this could change.
It is important that the healing process is not hindered by swelling, meaning you should wrap the leg with an elastic bandage to prevent it from swelling throughout the day.
If the wound were to open up, please have it checked by a doctor so they can assess whether the leg needs to be immobilized, which would mean getting a splint and elevating the leg for the whole day.
If all of this is related to a work activity, you should definitely see a D-Arzt (for work accidents) today.
Is everything clear? If not, please ask.
Get well soon,
Dr. Schaaf