A contusion, commonly known as a bruise, is a frequent injury. It occurs when small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface break, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. A contusion is considered a closed injury because the skin remains intact, without any cuts or breaks.
Understanding Contusions
Contusions result from blunt force trauma, such as an impact, a fall, or a direct blow. This force crushes underlying tissues and blood vessels. When these vessels rupture, blood escapes and pools in the soft tissues.
The extent of the bleeding determines the size and severity. While most commonly observed on the skin, contusions can also affect deeper structures like muscles and bones. A muscle contusion involves muscle tissue, while a bone contusion, often called a bone bruise, signifies bleeding within the bone itself. These deeper contusions may not always show visible skin discoloration but can cause significant pain and swelling.
Recognizing a Contusion
Identifying a contusion involves typical signs and symptoms. Pain and tenderness are common, often accompanied by swelling in the affected area. The most distinctive sign is skin discoloration, which changes over time as the bruise heals. Initially, a bruise may appear red or purplish.
Within one to two days, the bruise often turns blue, black, or darker purple. Later, it may transition to green or yellow hues. Finally, before fading completely, it might appear yellowish-brown. It is important to look for signs that might indicate a more serious underlying injury, such as severe or rapidly increasing swelling, an inability to move a limb, deformity, or numbness and tingling in the affected area.
Care and Healing
Basic care for a contusion often follows the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the injured area helps prevent further damage and allows the body to begin healing. Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and pain. Compression, using an elastic bandage wrapped firmly but not too tightly, can also help minimize swelling. Elevating the bruised area above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling.
Most contusions heal on their own, with mild bruises typically resolving within a few days to a week, and moderate ones taking one to two weeks. More severe contusions, especially those affecting deeper tissues like bone, may take several weeks or even longer to heal. Medical consultation is advisable if a bruise does not improve after two weeks, if there is severe or unexplained pain, or if the bruise is very large or appears without a known cause. Additionally, seek medical attention for suspected fractures, head or eye injuries, or if experiencing numbness, weakness, or increasing swelling, as these could indicate a more serious condition.