WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a contusion? A contusion is a bruise that appears on your skin after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. When blood vessels tear, blood leaks into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle. What causes a contusion? A hard object or a strained muscle can leave a bruise on your skin. A twisted knee or ankle can cause a bone bruise. You may get a bruise near an area where you have had blood taken for medical tests. What increases my risk for a contusion? - A bleeding disorder that makes you bleed more easily
- Kidney or liver disease, or an infection
- A family history of bleeding problems
- Medicines such as blood thinners or certain over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines
- Weakened skin and muscles from older age or poor nutrition
What are the signs and symptoms of a contusion? - Pain that increases when you touch the bruise, walk, or use the area around the bruise
- Swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it
- Red, blue, or black skin that may change to green or yellow after a few days
- Stiffness or problems moving the bruised area of your body
How is a contusion diagnosed? Your healthcare provider may ask about any injuries, infections, or bleeding problems you had in the past. He will check the skin over the injured area. He may touch it to see where it hurts. He may ask you to point to where it hurts the most. He may also check for problems you may have when you move your bruised area. You may need any of the following tests: - Blood tests may be used to check for blood disorders or to see how long it takes for your blood to clot.
- Ultrasound pictures may show how deep the bruise is and if any of your organs, such as your liver, are injured.
- X-ray pictures may show any broken bones near the bruise.
- MRI pictures may show if a hematoma (pooling of blood) has started to form. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
How is a contusion treated? Your bruise may heal without any treatment. Treatment depends on the part of your body that is injured, and how serious your injury is. You may need any of the following: - NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine.
- Aspiration is a procedure to drain pooled blood in your muscle. This prevents increased pressure in the muscle.
- Surgery may be done to repair a tear in the muscle or relieve pressure in the muscle caused by swelling.
What can I do to help my contusion heal? - Rest the injured area or use it less than usual. If you bruised your leg or foot, you may need crutches or a cane to help you walk. This will help you keep weight off your injured body part. Use crutches or a cane as directed.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Use compression. An elastic bandage may be wrapped around a bruised muscle to support the area and decrease swelling. Make sure the bandage is not too tight. You should be able to fit 1 finger between the bandage and your skin.
- Elevate (raise) your injured body part above the level of your heart to help decrease pain and swelling. Use pillows, blankets, or rolled towels to elevate the area as often as you can.
- Do not massage or use heat. Heat and massage may slow healing of the area.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may slow healing of your injury.
- Do not stretch injured muscles. Ask your healthcare provider when and how you may safely stretch after your injury.
How can I prevent a contusion? - Stretch and warm up before you play sports or exercise.
- Wear protective gear when you play sports. Examples are shin guards and padding.
- If you begin a new physical activity, start slowly to give your body a chance to adjust.
When should I seek immediate care? - You have new trouble moving your injured area.
- You have tingling or numbness in or near the injured area.
- Your hand or foot below the bruise gets cold or turns pale.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You find a new lump in the injured area.
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment after 4 to 5 days.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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