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R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These steps can be used at home to treat hematoma on your arms and legs and should be practiced on a daily basis for the best results. Try to apply R.I.C.E. as soon as you develop the hematoma for optimal recovery and healing. Make sure you rest the affected area during the first 2472 hours of developing the hematoma. This will prevent any further bleeding and allow the area to heal. Some physicians recommend that you rest a lower limb that has hematoma, such as your leg, for at least 48 hours. The duration of the rest period is dependent on the extent of the hematoma. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel, or perform an ice massage on the affected limb. This will decrease the pain and swelling of the hematoma. To apply an ice massage, freeze a plastic foam cup of water. Hold the cup and place a cloth or paper towel over the affected limb, then apply ice. Never apply ice or an ice pack directly to skin, as this increases risk for a thermal burn or frostbite. After the first 48 hours, you can use a heated compress, such as a heating pad or a very warm washcloth, two to three times a day, to help your body reabsorb the blood from the hematoma. Use a compression wrap or a compressive elastic bandage over the hematoma until it appears less swollen. You can find compression wraps and compressive elastic bandages at your local drugstore or pharmacy. You should maintain compression on the area for at least two to seven days. Make sure the compression bandage is on properly and it is snug, but not cutting off blood circulation to the limb. A wrap that cuts off circulation will trigger throbbing in the area or skin color changes such as becoming deeper purple or blanching entirely. This will help to reduce the pain and swelling. Raise the affected limb above the level of your heart on a chair or a stack of pillows. This medication will help with the pain and swelling you may experience as the hematoma heals. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a very effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle and take no more than two pills at a time. Repeat this dosage every four to six hours. Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is another anti-inflammatory medication. You can take this medication every 12 hours as needed for pain and swelling. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an effective pain reliever that can be used to ease any discomfort or pain. If you have a bleeding disorder, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs, including aspirin, as these medications can interfere with blood platelets and prolong your bleeding. If you have a hematoma on your arm, leg, or hand, you should do diligent home treatment and be patient as the blood reabsorbs into your body. After a few months, the hematoma should fade on its own and the pain should subside.
Do R.I.C.E. Rest the limb with the hematoma. Ice the area for 20 minutes, several times a day, for the first 48 hours. Compress the hematoma to reduce any swelling. Elevate the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication. Wait a few months for the hematoma to subside.