A contusion, commonly known as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, leading to bleeding into the surrounding soft tissues without breaking the skin. Most are minor and can be effectively managed with simple care at home.
Understanding a Contusion
An impact causes tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, to rupture beneath the skin’s surface. Blood leaks out and becomes trapped in the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic discoloration and swelling. Initially, a bruise may appear reddish or purplish, but as the body begins its natural healing process, the bruise changes colors, typically progressing to blue, black, green, and then yellow before fading. Bruises are also accompanied by pain or tenderness when touched, and sometimes a raised bump or lump may form where blood has pooled.
Immediate Home Care
Prompt action after a contusion can significantly reduce swelling and pain, speeding recovery. The R.I.C.E. method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, serves as the primary immediate home care strategy.
Resting the injured area helps prevent further damage. Avoid using the affected body part for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Applying ice is a crucial step to minimize swelling and pain by constricting blood vessels, which limits blood flow to the injured site. An ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a thin towel to protect the skin, should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This process can be repeated every two to three hours during the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.
Compression involves gently wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap. This helps to control swelling and provide support, but it is important to ensure the bandage is snug without being too tight, avoiding any numbness or tingling.
Elevating the injured part above the level of the heart also helps to reduce swelling by allowing gravity to drain fluid away from the area.
Ongoing Recovery and Symptom Management
After the initial 48-hour period, when swelling has subsided, focus shifts to promoting healing and managing lingering symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can alleviate discomfort. While ibuprofen also reduces pain, it may slightly increase bleeding in some individuals, particularly the elderly or those on blood thinners.
Applying warmth to the contusion can be beneficial. A warm compress or heating pad increases blood circulation, aiding in the reabsorption of pooled blood and soothing stiff muscles. Gentle movement of the affected area can be introduced gradually to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility, but avoid activities that cause pain.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most contusions heal without complication, certain signs indicate a more serious injury requiring professional medical attention.
Seek medical help if:
- The pain is severe and worsens over time, or you experience an inability to move a joint or limb.
- Signs of infection are present, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or a fever.
- Numbness or tingling occurs in the bruised area, especially if accompanied by swelling.
- A bruise is very large, deep, or forms a noticeable lump (hematoma) that does not resolve.
- The bruise results from a severe fall or blow to the head or spine.
- The bruise does not show any signs of healing or fading after a few weeks.