Contusion is the
medical term for a bruise
. It is the result of a direct blow or an impact, such as a fall. Contusions are common sports injuries. Most people think of a bruise as a black-and-blue spot. This happens when small blood vessels get torn and leak blood under the skin.
How do you treat a contusion?
How are Contusions or Bruises Treated? Initial treatment for contusion should include rest,
icing the affected area for 20 minutes
, and applying a compression wrap to help minimize swelling. If there is an accompanying open wound, keep the area clean and bandaged.
Can a contusion be serious?
Organ contusions damage the blood vessels and other soft tissue in organs. These injuries are dangerous, and they can be
life-threatening
. This is because they may interfere with the functioning of the organ. People with organ contusions may require hospitalization.
How bad is a contusion?
Most contusions are
minor and heal quickly
, without taking the athlete away from the game. Severe contusions, however, can cause deep tissue damage and lead to complications that may prevent an athlete from being able to play sports for months.
How long does a muscle contusion take to heal?
Moderate-to-severe contusions take an average of
4-6 weeks
to heal. Minor contusions take considerably less time. If your child puts too much stress on the injured area before it is healed, excessive scar tissue may develop.
How long does a contusion lump last?
Depending on the cause, it can take anywhere from
1 to 4 weeks
for a hematoma to go away. Bruises and hematomas commonly get confused with each other. A bruise happens when capillaries get damaged due to trauma and the blood seeps into the top layer of your skin, causing discoloration.
Can a contusion cause a blood clot?
The bruise itself won’t cause a blood clot
. In very rare circumstances, the hit that caused the bruise can. If a deep-seated vein is damaged during the collision, it could lead to a deep-vein clot.
What are 5 symptoms of a contusion?
- discolored skin that looks red, green, purple, blue, or black.
- a small bump over the area in some cases.
- pain that’s usually worse when pressure is applied to the area.
When should I be concerned about a contusion?
Call the doctor
if bruising occurs easily or for no apparent reason
. Call the doctor if the bruise is painful and under a toenail or fingernail. Call the doctor if a bruise does not improve within two weeks or fails to completely clear after three or four weeks.
What is a deep contusion?
Contusion is the
medical term for a bruise
. It is the result of a direct blow or an impact, such as a fall. Contusions are common sports injuries. Most people think of a bruise as a black-and-blue spot. This happens when small blood vessels get torn and leak blood under the skin.
What’s the difference between a contusion and a hematoma?
A bruise, also known as a contusion, typically appears on the skin after trauma such as a blow to the body. It occurs when the small veins and capillaries under the skin break. A hematoma is a collection (or pooling) of blood outside the blood vessel.
How long does it take a deep bruise to heal?
How Long Do Bruises Last? Bruises usually fade away in
about 2 weeks
. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood.
How do you treat a deep bruise?
- Rest the bruised area, if possible.
- Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed.
- Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight.
- Elevate the injured area.
What is the fastest way to heal a muscle contusion?
Most athletes with contusions get better quickly with
simple treatment measures
. Your doctor may give you nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or other medications for pain relief. Do not massage the injured area.
Can contusions cause permanent damage?
Most contusions are minor and heal quickly, without requiring the athlete to be removed from the game. However,
severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage
, which may lead to complications and/or keep the athlete out of sports for months.
What are three degrees of severity for a contusion?
First Degree: minimal pain, no severe swelling; mild tenderness of muscle. Second Degree: moderate pain and swelling; the knee becomes more difficult to flex. Third Degree:
Severe pain and tenderness
; the knee becomes almost impossible to flex without severe pain.
