Contusions

Contusions: What You Need To Know

A contusion is an injury caused by a direct impact or blunt force trauma to soft tissue, often resulting in an area of localized swelling, redness, and pain. It is also known as a bruise, which is essentially blemished blood vessels that appear in the skin from the injury.

Types of Contusions

The two main types of contusions are:

• Muscle Contusions – Muscle contusions are caused by a sudden impact on a part of the body. The area is usually swollen, painful to the touch, and discolored.
• Bone Contusions– Bone contusions are caused by repetitive impacts or a single triggering incident. There is usually a visible swelling, as well as a feeling of instability, pain, and tenderness around the fracture.

Causes

Contusions are commonly caused by falls, blunt force trauma, contact sports, car accidents, shootings, and other accidents. They can also be caused by chronic issues such as arthritis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a contusion is a bruise in the affected area. This bruise may appear as a red spot or a blackish-blue mark on the skin, depending on the severity of the injury. Other symptoms of contusions can include swelling, tenderness, pain, discoloration, or heat in the area of the injury.

Treatment

Treatment for contusions generally involves rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). This helps limit the swelling and pain caused by the injury. Other treatments include using pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation. Severe contusions may require medical intervention, such as a splint, brace, or surgery.

Prevention

Preventing contusions is often a matter of taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings. Some tips include:

• Wear protective gear (e.g. helmets and pads) when participating in contact sports.
• Be cautious when walking on wet or uneven surfaces to avoid falls.
• Whenever outside, watch for hazards such as vehicles, falling objects, and slippery surfaces.