Question

After a fall I had severe bruising, most of which eventually went, except for a dark pink oval area about 3 inches long, several inches wide, about 4 inches below my knee, which is occasionally very painful. This has remained for six months so far. Is there some underlying damage to my leg?

Answer

An accurate diagnosis would require sight of the problem, but it is almost certain that you have not got any underlying nerve damage. Provided that you have no other bruising or other discoloured spots, it is likely that the discoloration below your knee is simply a long-lasting bruise. What has probably happened is that some blood products from red blood cells have leaked out of the capillaries and been broken down in the tissue, giving the brownish discoloration. It is extremely likely that the discoloration will slowly fade and you will have no further problems, although this could take several more months. Should it not get slowly better, or if it itches or the pain is excessive or, indeed, you are just worried about the condition, then by all means go and consult a dermatologist. If it is a simple bruise with resultant discoloration of the skin, the dermatologist would do no more but would reassure you. If there is any other cause, then what he does will of course depend on that cause.

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