Swollen Body Part After an Accident
Swelling is your body's response to injury. A swollen ankle, knee, wrist, hand, or other body part after an accident should not be ignored, because swelling can hide a fracture or a torn ligament.
We are not a law firm or a medical provider. We connect you with doctors who treat these injuries.
Why this happens
Injured tissue leaks fluid and fills with blood and inflammatory cells, which causes swelling, warmth, and bruising within hours. Sprains, fractures, and ligament tears can all look alike at first, and a fracture can be present even when you can still move the joint. The location, how fast it swelled, and whether you can bear weight help a doctor decide whether imaging is needed.
When this is a medical emergency
Go to an emergency room right away, don't wait for a regular appointment, if you have:
- The area looks deformed or you cannot put weight on it
- The hand or foot below the swelling is cold, pale, numb, or blue
- Swelling in one calf with pain, or any shortness of breath
- Redness, heat, and fever together with the swelling
Commonly linked to these accident types
This symptom shows up often after these kinds of accidents. Find help specific to your situation.
Swollen Body Part: find a doctor by city
Pick your city to see local care options, or contact us directly. We cover all of California.
Southern California
- Anaheim
- Bell Gardens
- Burbank
- Canoga Park
- Chula Vista
- Compton
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- Downey
- East LA Community
- East Los Angeles
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- Escondido
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
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- Koreatown
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- Los Angeles
- Norwalk
- Oceanside
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pasadena
- Pomona
- San Diego
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Simi Valley
- South Los Angeles
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Van Nuys
- Ventura
- Vista
- West Covina
Inland Empire
Bay Area
North Bay
Greater Sacramento
Central Coast
Care options for this symptom
Doctors and treatment
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Frequently asked questions
Does swelling mean something is broken?
Not always, but it can. Sprains and fractures both swell, and you cannot reliably tell them apart without an exam and often an X-ray.
What should I do for the swelling right now?
Resting the area, applying ice for short periods, gentle compression, and elevating it are common first steps. They do not replace being examined if you cannot bear weight or the swelling is severe.
How long before swelling should be checked?
If swelling is significant, painful, or not going down after a day or two, get checked. Do not wait for it to get worse.
Related guides
- Car AccidentsWhat to Do After a Car Accident With No InsuranceBeing in a car accident without insurance is stressful, but you still have options. Learn the steps to take immediately after a crash to protect your health and your rights in California.
- Medical CareDo I Need a Lawyer to See a Doctor After a Crash?No, you do not need a lawyer to get medical treatment after an accident. Many California clinics and providers will treat you on a lien basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
- ResourcesFree Medical Help for Undocumented Victims in CaliforniaUndocumented accident victims in California have the right to emergency medical care regardless of immigration status. This guide covers free and low-cost options available to you.