Contusions, or bruises, can result from blunt force trauma to muscles, bones, or soft tissue. Soft tissue bruises cause skin discoloration and can be minimized with ice. Muscle and bone bruises are more serious and may require medical attention. The RICE method can be used to promote healing.
A contusion is an injury to the muscles, bones, or soft tissue of the body. It usually results from blunt force trauma, and some types of bruises are simply called bruises. Most people won’t make it through life without the occasional bruise that can occur from hitting something. More serious injuries to bone or muscle can be very significant, but a small, simple bruise is usually of little concern.
As mentioned, there are three different types of bruises that can occur. Soft tissue bruises cause skin discoloration, as blood vessels can bleed directly under the skin. This can create a virtual rainbow of colors, and a bruise might look brown, red, blue, purple, or yellow. Provided the bruise is small and not in a potentially dangerous area, such as the head, it may not require any treatment. Bruising can be minimized by using ice or cold packs soon after an injury has occurred.
Sometimes people seem to have soft tissue bruising types on a regular basis. They may not even realize they have sustained any type of injury until they notice a bruise. This could be the result of taking substances such as blood thinners, which can thin the blood or slow clotting. Some bleeding disorders such as hemophilia might also result in significant bleeding that creates huge bruises, and occasionally, people who are anemic may have a higher incidence of bruising. Anyone at increased risk should follow their doctor’s directions for treating minor bruises; the use of ice is strongly recommended, and any head injury should be treated as potentially life-threatening.
Other types of bruises can occur in people with or without special conditions. A muscle bruise damages the muscles and there may be a noticeable lump at the site of the injury. This can cause cramping, stiffness and considerable pain in the affected area. These are not uncommon in some contact sports, although they can occur in other contexts.
Generally the most serious type of contusion is the bone bruise. This isn’t a real break, but it can be extremely uncomfortable. People may need X-rays to rule out any broken bones because the pain can be severe and can inhibit movement just as a break would. A severe bone bruise can last a long time, and people may require physical therapy to help preserve or improve range of motion in the area of the injury.
The small to average bruise may not require much treatment. Suspected muscle and bone bruises are more serious and usually need to be brought to the attention of a doctor. It is very important to realize that bruising can occur when a broken bone is present. A broken toe can make the foot look almost black. While waiting to see a doctor, people should follow the RICE method of treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation). This can also be supported after doctor’s care to promote comfort and facilitate healing.
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