Symptoms of a contusion are discoloration of the skin, pain (which can be severe), and swelling. Contusions usually aren’t serious and don’t need medical attention. But a large, painful, or very swollen bruise, or a bruise that limits movement of a joint such as the knee should be seen by a doctor.
How long does it take for a contusion 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 does a joint contusion happen?
A bone contusion, or bone bruise, happens when you have a small injury on the surface of a bone . The discoloration appears as blood and other fluids build up. A fracture, on the other hand, involves damage to a deeper area of bone.
Is a contusion 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.
Will a contusion go away?
Most contusions simply need time to heal. Soft tissue contusions can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to heal . Bone contusions may take longer — usually a couple of months — depending on how severe the injury is.
When is a contusion serious?
Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: Your pain gets worse. You have new or worse swelling . You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area near the contusion.
When should I be concerned about a contusion?
Call the doctor if the bruise is accompanied by swelling and extreme pain , especially if you take a blood-thinning medication for a medical condition. 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.
Can a contusion cause a blood clot?
Can’t bad bruises cause blood clots? 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’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.
What does a muscle contusion look like?
Contusions cause swelling and pain , and limit joint range of motion near the injury. Torn blood vessels may cause bluish discoloration. The injured muscle may feel weak and stiff. Sometimes a pool of blood collects within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury (hematoma).
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 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.
How long does a contusion to knee take to heal?
Recovery time depends on the extent of the injury. A minor knee contusion can heal in as little as a few days . A bone bruise may take several weeks or months to heal before you can return to normal activities.
How long does it take a deep bruise to heal?
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 long does it take to heal a deep tissue bruise?
Recovery time can range between a few days to a few weeks . Though many cases of muscle bruising heal on their own, more severe muscle injuries may require medical attention. If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days of developing the injury, see your doctor.
How can you prevent a contusion?
- Keep floors and rooms clear of tripping hazards like throw rugs and shoes.
- Move furniture away from doorways and walkways to avoid bumping into hard surfaces.
- Turn on a light or flashlight when walking through poorly lit areas.
- Get enough vitamins in your diet.
