Bruises, strains & sprains - When to seek medical attention
In this section
Bruises
If the bruise is behind your ears or around your eyes following a blow to the head, see your GP. You should also visit your GP if you have a black eye and your vision is affected. A large bruise on the stomach or back should also be reported, as should any bruise that causes severe pain.
In elderly people, a bruise on the lower leg may require medical attention, and if you have one or more bruises that appear for no reason, you should always see your GP.
Strains and sprains
Most of the time you won’t need to see your GP for minor strains and sprains. However, a broken bone can sometimes be mistaken for a strain or sprain, so it’s worth knowing what warning signs to look out for. These include:
- if the injured area is very swollen
- if you can’t move a joint
- if you can’t stand on the injured leg or move an injured hand, as this may mean you have a broken bone.
In all the above cases, get your GP to check the affected area.
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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
