How long can injured tissues continue to bleed or swell after an injury?

Injured tissues can continue to bleed or swell for up to 72 hours after an injury due to the body's inflammatory response. When an injury occurs, the body initiates a series of biological processes that include increased blood flow and the release of chemicals to help repair the damaged tissue. This results in swelling, which occurs as fluids and immune cells accumulate at the injury site to promote healing and prevent infection.

The initial bleeding can last for a varying amount of time, depending on the severity and type of injury. After the first few hours, the bleeding typically starts to decrease, but swelling may persist because the inflammatory response can last for up to 72 hours. During this period, the area around the injury may remain tender and swollen as the body works to mend the damage.

Understanding the timeline of bleeding and swelling helps in managing the injury properly, including techniques such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation, which can help minimize these symptoms and facilitate recovery.