What is a common symptom that may indicate a hematoma formation?

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually due to bleeding that occurs after an injury. Common symptoms associated with hematoma formation include pain and bruising at the site where the blood has accumulated. The pain arises from the pressure exerted by the pooling blood on surrounding tissues, and the bruising, which manifests as discoloration of the skin, occurs as blood leaks into the interstitial spaces. This combined presence of pain and bruising is a telltale sign that a hematoma has developed in the area.

While redness at the site could occur, it is not specific to hematomas and may indicate other issues, like inflammation. Fever typically suggests an infection or systemic response rather than a localized hematoma. Swelling of the entire limb might occur in some conditions, but it is too broad and could be indicative of numerous other medical issues, making it less specific to hematoma formation. Thus, pain and bruising are the most common and direct indicators of a hematoma.