Effective Bruised Leg Treatment: Expert Tips for Quick Healing and Pain Relief

What are the best ways to treat a bruised leg. How long does it take for a bruised leg to heal. What home remedies can help reduce bruising and swelling. When should you seek medical attention for a bruised leg. How can you prevent bruising on your legs.

Table of Contents

Understanding Bruises: Causes and Formation

Bruises, also known as contusions, are a common occurrence that many people experience at some point in their lives. They form when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, usually due to a bump, fall, or other impact. The blood then leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing the characteristic black-and-blue coloration we associate with bruises.

But why do bruises form specifically? Let’s break down the process:

Initial impact causes blood vessel damage
Blood leaks into surrounding tissues
Discoloration appears as blood pools under the skin
Healing process begins, causing color changes over time

The location of a bruise can affect its healing time. For instance, a bruise on the leg often takes longer to heal compared to one on the face or arms. This is due to factors such as blood flow and gravity’s effect on the pooled blood.

Why do some people bruise more easily than others?

Bruising easily doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious health problem, but it can be influenced by various factors:

Age: Older adults often bruise more easily due to thinner skin and less fat underneath
Gender: Women tend to bruise more easily than men, especially on thighs, buttocks, and upper arms
Genetics: A tendency to bruise easily can run in families
Sun damage: Prolonged sun exposure can weaken blood vessels, making them more prone to bruising
Medications: Certain drugs, like blood thinners, can increase bruising susceptibility

Identifying Different Types of Bruises and Blood Spots

Not all discolorations under the skin are typical bruises. It’s important to distinguish between different types of blood spots and bruises to ensure proper treatment and identify any potential underlying issues.

Hematomas vs. Regular Bruises

A hematoma occurs when blood collects and pools under the skin after an injury. Unlike a regular bruise, a hematoma often feels like a firm lump and has a spongy, rubbery texture. While hematomas are generally not a cause for concern, they differ from typical bruises in their appearance and feel.

Purpura and Petechiae

Blood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. Purpura can resemble bruises but are not caused by injuries. Petechiae, on the other hand, appear as tiny, flat, red or purple spots on the skin. These differ from birthmarks or hemangiomas, which are present from birth.

Unexplained bruising or a sudden increase in blood spots could be caused by various factors, including:

Blood disorders
Certain medications
Infections
Nutritional deficiencies
Alcohol abuse

Effective Home Treatments for Bruised Legs

While most bruises will heal on their own within 2 to 4 weeks, there are several home remedies that can help speed up the healing process and alleviate discomfort. Here are some effective treatments for a bruised leg:

1. RICE Method

The RICE method is a well-known approach for treating various injuries, including bruises:

Rest: Avoid putting unnecessary strain on the bruised area
Ice: Apply cold compresses for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling
Compression: Use an elastic bandage to minimize swelling, but avoid wrapping too tightly
Elevation: Raise the bruised leg above heart level when possible to reduce blood flow to the area

2. Heat Therapy

After the initial 24-48 hours, applying heat can help increase blood flow and promote healing. Use a warm compress or take a warm bath to improve circulation in the bruised area.

3. Topical Treatments

Several over-the-counter creams and ointments can help reduce bruising and swelling:

Arnica gel or cream
Vitamin K cream
Bromelain-based creams

4. Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies may help in the healing process:

Apply a cabbage leaf compress to the bruised area
Use a mixture of vinegar and warm water as a compress
Gently massage the area with diluted essential oils like lavender or frankincense

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Bruised Leg

While most bruises are harmless and heal on their own, there are situations where medical attention may be necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a more serious condition.

Signs of a More Serious Injury

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain and swelling that begins within 30 minutes of the injury
Inability to move the affected limb
Bruising accompanied by a fever or chills
A bruise that doesn’t improve after two weeks
Frequent, unexplained bruising

Potential Complications

In some cases, what appears to be a simple bruise could be indicative of a more serious condition:

Fractures or sprains
Deep vein thrombosis
Compartment syndrome
Blood disorders

If you’re unsure about the severity of your bruise or if you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Bruises on Your Legs

While it’s not always possible to prevent every bruise, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of bruising, especially on your legs:

1. Create a Safe Environment

Remove tripping hazards in your home
Ensure adequate lighting, especially on stairs
Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen

2. Protect Your Legs

Wear protective gear during sports or activities with a high risk of impact
Use shin guards when playing contact sports
Consider wearing long pants when engaging in outdoor activities

3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K
Stay hydrated to maintain skin elasticity
Exercise regularly to improve circulation and balance

4. Be Mindful of Medications

Discuss bruising concerns with your doctor if you’re on blood thinners
Be cautious with over-the-counter pain relievers that may increase bruising

Nutrition and Supplements for Bruise Prevention and Healing

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in both preventing bruises and promoting faster healing. Certain nutrients can strengthen blood vessels, improve skin elasticity, and enhance the body’s ability to repair damaged tissues.

Essential Nutrients for Bruise Prevention

Vitamin C: Helps in collagen production and strengthens blood vessels
Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and reducing bruise appearance
Flavonoids: Found in fruits and vegetables, they help strengthen capillaries
Zinc: Supports wound healing and tissue repair

Foods to Include in Your Diet

Incorporate these foods into your diet to support bruise prevention and healing:

Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, broccoli)
Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)
Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds)
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel)

Supplements for Bruise Prevention

While it’s best to obtain nutrients from whole foods, supplements can be beneficial in some cases. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Vitamin C supplements
Vitamin K supplements
Bromelain (derived from pineapple)
Rutin (a type of flavonoid)

Understanding the Healing Process of Bruises

The healing process of a bruise is a fascinating biological phenomenon that occurs in stages. Understanding this process can help you better monitor your bruise’s progress and know when to expect improvements.

Stages of Bruise Healing

Red/Pink (1-2 days): Initial stage when blood vessels break and leak
Blue/Purple (2-4 days): As oxygen is removed from the pooled blood
Green (5-7 days): Hemoglobin breaks down into biliverdin
Yellow/Brown (7-10 days): Biliverdin converts to bilirubin
Fading (10-14 days): Bruise gradually disappears as blood is reabsorbed

Factors Affecting Healing Time

Several factors can influence how quickly a bruise heals:

Age: Older individuals tend to heal more slowly
Location: Bruises on the legs often take longer to heal due to gravity
Severity of the injury: Deeper bruises may take longer to resolve
Overall health: Conditions like diabetes can slow healing
Medications: Blood thinners can prolong bruising

By understanding these stages and factors, you can better gauge whether your bruise is healing normally or if it requires medical attention.

Special Considerations for Athletes and Active Individuals

Athletes and those who lead active lifestyles are often more prone to bruising due to their increased exposure to physical impacts and injuries. However, they also need to recover quickly to maintain their training or competition schedules.

Immediate Treatment for Sports-Related Bruises

Apply ice immediately after injury to reduce swelling
Use compression garments to minimize bruising
Elevate the affected area when possible
Consider using kinesiology tape to support the bruised area

Balancing Rest and Activity

For athletes, finding the right balance between rest and continued activity is crucial:

Avoid high-impact activities on the bruised area until pain subsides
Engage in low-impact exercises to maintain fitness
Gradually reintroduce normal training as the bruise heals
Listen to your body and avoid pushing through significant pain

Preventive Measures for Athletes

Athletes can take additional steps to prevent bruising:

Use proper protective gear specific to your sport
Practice good technique to minimize impact risks
Incorporate strength training to build muscle around vulnerable areas
Stay well-hydrated to maintain skin elasticity

By following these guidelines, athletes can minimize the impact of bruises on their performance and recovery time.

In conclusion, while bruises are a common occurrence, especially on the legs, understanding their causes, treatment options, and prevention strategies can help you manage them effectively. From immediate home care to long-term prevention through nutrition and lifestyle changes, there are many ways to address bruising. Remember, if you have concerns about frequent or severe bruising, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin | CS Mott Children’s Hospital

Topic Overview

Bruises

Bruises develop when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the black-and-blue color. As bruises (contusions) heal, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green. Sometimes the area of the bruise spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.

Most bruises are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own. Home treatment may speed healing and relieve the swelling and soreness that often accompany bruises that are caused by injury. But severe bruising, swelling, and pain that begin within 30 minutes of an injury may mean a more serious problem, such as a severe sprain or fracture.

If you bruise easily, you may not even remember what caused a bruise. Bruising easily does not mean you have a serious health problem, especially if bruising is minimal or only shows up once in a while.

Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries, especially injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs.
Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.
A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families.

Occasionally after an injury, blood collects and pools under the skin (hematoma), giving the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A regular bruise is more spread out and may not feel like a firm lump. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.

Bruises that do not appear to be caused by an accidental injury may be caused by abuse. It is important to consider this possibility, especially if the bruises can’t be explained or if the explanations change or do not match the injury. Report this type of bruising and seek help to prevent further abuse.

Blood spots

Blood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. Purpura might look like bruises, but they are not caused by an injury as most regular bruises are. Petechiae don’t look like bruises. They are tiny, flat, red or purple spots in the skin, but they are different than the tiny, flat, red spots or birthmarks (hemangiomas) that are present all the time.

Sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be caused by:

Medical treatment for abnormal bruising or blood spots focuses on preventing or stopping bleeding, changing or adjusting a medicine that may be causing the bruising, or treating the medical problem that is causing the bruising.

If the skin is injured over a bruise, be sure to watch for signs of a skin infection.

Check Your Symptoms

Do you have bruises or blood spots under the skin?

If a bruise is rapidly spreading, you need try to stop the bleeding under the skin. Wrap the area (not too tightly) with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap, and keep it on until you see a doctor. You can also put direct pressure on the area for 15 minutes at a time.

Yes

Bruises or blood spots under skin

How old are you?

Less than 3 years

3 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond?

Yes

Decreased level of consciousness

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Do you think you may have a fever?

Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, like you are going to faint?

It’s normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious.

Are you bleeding now?

Yes

Abnormal bleeding now present

Do you think that the bruising may have been caused by abuse?

Yes

Bruises may have been caused by abuse

Has the number or size of bruises or blood spots increased for no clear reason?

Yes

Unexplained increase in size or number of bruises or blood spots

Was the increase in bruises or blood spots fast?

Yes

Rapid increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots

Do you take a medicine that affects the blood’s ability to clot?

This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding.

Yes

Medicine may be causing bruises

Were the bruises caused by an injury?

Yes

Bruises caused by injury

Did a large, painful, very swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes after the injury?

Yes

Bruising within 30 minutes of injury

Have you had bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks?

Yes

Bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

Passing out (losing consciousness).
Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

Passing out (losing consciousness).
Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
Not responding when being touched or talked to.
Breathing much faster than usual.
Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

Abnormal bleeding means any heavy or frequent bleeding or any bleeding that is not normal for you. Examples of abnormal bleeding include:

Nosebleeds.
Vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of month) than what you are used to.
Rectal bleeding and bloody stools.
Bloody or pink urine.
Gums that bleed easily when you eat or gently brush your teeth.

When you have abnormal bleeding in one area of your body, it’s important to think about whether you have been bleeding anywhere else. This can be a symptom of a more serious health problem.

Many prescription and nonprescription medicines may reduce your blood’s ability to clot and cause bruising or bleeding under the skin. A few examples are:

Aspirin and other medicines (called blood thinners) that prevent blood clots. Also, taking a nonprescription medicine with a blood thinner may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding.
Medicines used to treat cancer.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen (for example, Advil or Motrin).
Steroids, such as prednisone.

Symptoms of infection may include:

Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
Red streaks leading from the area.
Pus draining from the area.
A fever.

Symptoms of serious illness may include:

A severe headache.
A stiff neck.
Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert.
Extreme fatigue (to the point where it’s hard for you to function).
Shaking chills.

Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following:

The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.
The baby doesn’t respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to.
The baby is hard to wake up.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Home Treatment

If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rest and protect a bruised area.
Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
- For the first 48 hours after an injury, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
- After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between hot and cold treatments.
Compression, or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don’t wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours. A more serious problem may be present.
Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the bruised area if it causes pain.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
If desired, apply a natural product directly to the bruise.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

A bruise lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Signs of skin infection develop.
Symptoms become more severe or frequent.
New symptoms develop.

Prevention

You can’t always prevent bruises, but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern.

If you take aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), keep regular appointments with your doctor so that he or she can monitor your medicine dosages and make any necessary changes or adjustments.
Eat a variety of foods to avoid dietary deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins C, K, or B12, or folic acid can affect blood clotting. Include a daily selection of:
- Whole-grain and enriched breads, cereals, and grain products.
- Vegetables.
- Fruits.
- Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dried beans and peas, and tofu.
Do not take dietary supplements that may increase bruising, particularly if you take a blood-thinning medicine. Dietary supplements that may increase bruising include fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba.

Bruises are often the first sign of abuse. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.

Call your local child or adult protective agency, police, or clergy or a health professional (such as a doctor, nurse, or counselor) if you suspect abuse.
Seek help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence.
Seek help if you have trouble controlling your anger with a child in your care.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

Do you have a personal or family history of bleeding disorders or bruising easily?
Are you taking any prescription or nonprescription medicines? Bring a complete list of your medicines with you to your appointment.
Do you take any vitamins or dietary supplements? Describe your diet.
Have you had any recent injuries or blood transfusions?
Have you had any nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the urine, unusual or unexpected heavy menstrual flow, or fever?
Have you had any recent illness or changes in your health?
Have you recently traveled outside the country or to a rural area?
Do you have any health risks?

Credits

Current as of:
February 26, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: February 26, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine

How To Get Rid of Bruises Fast: 3 Simple Steps

Bruises occur due to an accumulation of blood under your skin and they can be due to traumas such as a fall, banging into furniture or even after a kiss. These marks are purple at first, becoming yellower or greenish, or brown in the case of nails, as they heal.

Usually bruises disappear gradually without the need for treatment but can be painful and ugly, so massaging the region gently with an anti-inflammatory ointment, such as arnica, is a good option to help eliminate the bruising more quickly.

However, there are other simple ways to eliminate bruises:

1. Apply ice on the bruise

This is a very simple and quick way to get rid of bruises and consists of passing an ice cube over the bruise as soon as it appears. The ice will help to decrease the blood supply to the region, thus reducing the bruise.

You should apply the ice cube in circular movements. If the cold causes you pain, you should wrap the ice in a fine, clean cloth such as a cloth nappy or dish cloth. You should apply the ice over the region for 3 to 5 minutes and then wait one hour before repeating the procedure.

2. Use a warm compress

To remove bruises that appeared more than 24 hours ago, place a warm water compress on the area so that you can increase local blood circulation and help remove the clots that formed. To do this, you should soak a cloth in warm water and then apply it onto the region, letting it act for approximately 20 minutes. After one hour, the procedure can be repeated.

There are packs and compresses that can be placed in the microwave for between 1 and 2 minutes, which can be placed directly on the skin, and which can easily be found in pharmacies and supermarkets.

3. Apply an ointments for bruises

In addition to arnica ointment, sodium heparin-based ointments such as Thrombophob or Traumeel are great options for removing blood from under your skin, either from the arms, legs or other parts of the body, by fighting symptoms quickly. Another often-used ointment to remove purple marks from the skin is Hirudoid, easily found in pharmacies.

Homemade ointments can also be used such as natural aloe vera and arnica gel, which have anti-inflammatory properties and facilitate healing, thereby eliminating the purple bruising.

When to go to the doctor

It is recommended you seek medical help when you present any of the following:

Bruises appear easily on your skin, by hitting a sofa, or on the corner of a table, for example;
Several bruises appear on your body that do not hurt;
When the bruises can be seen but you do not remember how they appeared;
In cases where the bruises appear and disappear from one day to the next.

If the bruise causes severe pain or if there is another sign that blood circulation has changed in the region, such as swelling of the affected limb or severe redness, you should also go to the hospital to rule out other more serious problems such as thrombosis.

Main causes of bruising

The main causes of bruising are traumas to the affected area, which can occur while practicing sport, due to falling, accidents involving heavy objects or car accidents, for example.

However, a bruise may arise due to any number of reasons, such as an injection, when blood is drawn for testing, after the use of suction cups when you use alternative therapies, being very common after aesthetic procedures such as liposuction and cryolipolysis.

Usually these bruises are not severe and disappear on their own, but the use of ice and warm compresses can help eliminate them more quickly.

In addition, bruising may also occur as a result of a coagulation disorder, so depending on its extent and severity you should seek medical help because it may indicate severe bleeding.

Bruises (for Teens) – Nemours Kidshealth

What Is a Bruise?

A bruise, also called a contusion (pronounced: kun-TOO-zhen), happens when a part of the body is injured and blood from the damaged capillaries (small blood vessels leaks out. With no place to go, the blood gets trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark that’s tender when you touch it — a bruise.

Bruises can happen for many reasons, but most are the result of bumping and banging into things — or having things bump and bang into you. Fortunately, as anyone who’s ever sported a shiner knows, the mark isn’t permanent.

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. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is:

When you first get a bruise, it’s kind of reddish as the blood appears under the skin.
Within 1 or 2 days, the hemoglobin (an iron-containing substance that carries oxygen) in the blood changes and your bruise turns bluish-purple or even blackish.
After 5 to 10 days, the bruise turns greenish or yellowish.
Then, after 10 or 14 days, it turns yellowish-brown or light brown.

Finally, after about 2 weeks, your bruise fades away.

Who Gets Bruises?

Anyone can get a bruise. Some people bruise easily, while others don’t. Why? Bruising depends on several things, such as:

how tough the skin tissue is
whether someone has certain diseases or conditions
whether a person’s taking certain medications

Also, blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older, which is why elderly people tend to bruise more easily.

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How Can I Help Myself Feel Better?

Apply a cold compress to the bruise to help slow down the blood that’s flowing to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues. It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply cold to the bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise appears.

You don’t need to buy a special cold pack, although they’re great to keep on hand in the freezer. Just get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise (don’t apply the ice directly to the skin).

Another trick is to use a bag of frozen vegetables. It doesn’t matter what kind — carrots, peas, lima beans, whatever — as long as they’re frozen. A bag of frozen vegetables is easy to apply to the bruise because it can form to the shape of the injured area. Also, like a cold pack, it can be used and refrozen again and again (just pick your least-favorite vegetables and label the bag — you don’t want to keep thawing and freezing veggies that you plan to eat!).

To reduce swelling and bruising, elevate the bruised area above the level of your heart. In other words, if the bruise is on your shin, lie down on a couch or bed and prop up your leg. This will help prevent blood from pooling in the area because more of the blood will flow back toward your heart. If you keep standing, more blood will flow to your bruised shin and the bruise will be larger.

Take acetaminophen for pain, if needed.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Minor bruises are easily treated, but it’s probably best to talk to a doctor if:

A bruise isn’t improving after 2 weeks.
You bruise often and bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
Your bruise is swelling and very painful.
You can’t move a joint or you think you may have a broken bone.
The bruise is near your eye and you have difficulty moving your eyes or seeing.

Can Bruises Be Prevented?

Bruises are kind of hard to avoid completely. But if you’re playing sports, riding your bike, inline skating, or doing anything where you might bump, bang, crash, or smash into something, it’s smart to wear protective gear like pads, shin guards, and helmets. Taking just a few extra seconds to put on that gear might save you from a couple of weeks of aches and pains.

5 Ways Get Them to Fade Quickly

You can get rid of bruises by icing the area as soon as possible after the injury.
After 48 hours, you can apply a heating pad to help your body break up the trapped blood.
Using an elastic bandage to compress the bruise may also help it fade more quickly.
Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

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Bruises are unsightly but will typically fade in two to three weeks, depending on the size and severity of the bruise.

But if you’re in a hurry to get rid of those blotchy, purple spots sooner, here are five remedies that can speed up the healing process.

1. Ice

Ice is one of the most commonly used, tried and true remedies for bruises and other injuries.

When you get a bruise, it damages your blood vessels and causes the blood to leak out. The blood gets trapped in the surrounding soft tissues, giving skin a blotchy, purple appearance, says Angelo Marino, DO, vascular and interventional radiologist at Yale Medicine.

“Ice or anything frozen placed over the site of injury works by decreasing the amount of inflammation and swelling in the area. It also constricts the tiny blood vessels in the surrounding tissues, thereby decreasing the amount of blood that leaks out,” says Marino.

How to use it:

It’s best to take action as soon as possible after the injury. Marino says you should apply an ice pack or something else cold like a bag of frozen peas over the area immediately after the injury, and then again throughout the first 24 to 48 hours after.

You can ice the area for 15 minutes at a time, and then wait about 15 to 20 minutes before reapplying the ice. Marino says you can do this several times throughout the day. Just be sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or paper towel to protect your skin from cold temperatures.

2. Heat

On the opposite side of the spectrum, heat can also help clear up a bruise. Marino says heat works by increasing blood flow to the bruised area, which can help your body break up and reabsorb the trapped blood.

How to use it:

According to Mariano, it’s best to avoid heat at first. Instead, you should opt for remedies like ice to decrease inflammation.

But after 48 hours, you can apply a heating pad or warm towel to the bruised area for about 10 to 15 minutes. Marino says it should be warm, but not to the point where it is uncomfortable to have on your skin. You can repeat this several times throughout the day.

3. Compression

When you put pressure on an injured area, it can decrease swelling and prevent the injured blood vessels from leaking, which reduces the severity of the bruise, Marino says.

How to use it:

Use an elastic bandage to firmly wrap the bruised region. The bandage should be tight, but not so tight that it causes discomfort, says Marino.

Compression should be used in the first 24-48 hours as that is when it is most beneficial in decreasing swelling and pain, Marino says, and it’s best to combine elevation and compression when possible.

4. Elevation

If you can manage to elevate your bruise, gravity will pull the blood down, away from the wound, which can reduce the amount of blood that leaks out thereby minimizing any swelling and black-and-blue splotching.

How to do it:

Marino says it’s best to elevate the injured area above the level of your heart when possible. For example, if your ankle is bruised, try lying flat on your back with your foot propped up on a few pillows to use gravity to your advantage. However, depending on the body part, this method may not always be possible.

5. Arnica

For centuries, a herb called arnica has been used for medicinal purposes, says Marino. In his own practice Marino says his patients have reported that arnica has helped bruising clear up faster.

Furthermore, a 2010 study found that participants who applied 20% arnica ointment — topically — twice a day for two weeks helped reduce bruising, compared to a control group using a placebo.

How to use it:

Apply a thin layer of arnica cream or gel to the bruised area. You can purchase this over the counter at drug stores. Massage it over the area up to three times a day, Marino says.

Insider’s takeaway

Bruises can be a pain –– literally and figuratively –– but home remedies like applying a cold compress or elevating the wound can help speed up the healing process and get your skin looking clear again.

For the best results, try a combination of the five techniques discussed in this article. Marino says it can take up to three weeks for a bruise to fully go away, so be patient as it heals, but these tips should help speed things up.

“Every patient and injury is different and responses to the remedies are also variable. In general, following these recommendations should help the bruise heal quicker,” says Marino.

How to Get Rid of Bruises — Fast!

If lift weights, play field hockey, practice modern dance or are just plain clumsy, you might find yourself with a lot of unsightly bruises. Whenever a bruise pops up, you’re probably left wondering how get rid of a bruise — fast! While the average total healing time of a bruise is 10 to 14 days, you can speed up the healing process. Read on to discover 12 ways to heal your bruise on the double.

1. Rest

If you’re injured, get off your feet. That will reduce blood flow to the bruise which can help it from getting too bad. Bruises, or contusions, are the result of the trapped blood from broken capillaries pooling beneath the skin’s surface. Less blood flow, then, can mean a less severe bruise.

2. Ice the Bruised Area

A bruise indicates there’s a wound, so in order to heal the bruise you must heal the wound. To reduce swelling (and speed up healing), apply ice on and off for the first 24 to 48 hours. The proper way to ice is to wrap your ice pack (or frozen peas) in a towel and leave it on the area for ten minutes at a time. If you feel like icing again shortly after, wait at least 20 minutes to give your skin a break from the chill.

3. Elevate the Bruised Area

As with ice, the goal here is to reduce swelling in order to speed up the healing process. Keep the bruised area above your heart in order to drain the area of fluid and reduce pressure.

4. Apply Heat

Heat will also help reduce swelling and help blood circulate post-injury. Blood circulation is key in the days following an injury because it will help clear out the blood trapped beneath the skin. Wait 24 hours after the injury, and then apply heat on and off.

5. Take Ibuprofen

Not only will ibuprofen help with the pain, it will help reduce swelling and subsequent bruising, as well.

6. Get More Iron

If you’re anemic or iron deficient, you’re at a higher risk for bruising. To get more iron in your diet, consider supplements or adding more poultry, beans, beef and green, leafy vegetables to your diet.

7. Get Some Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known to help build collagen tissue around your skin’s blood vessels. It also helps the body absorb iron properly. Leafy, green veggies and citrus fruits are excellent sources of the vitamin, so adding them to your diet can definitely help you heal your bruise more quickly. Getting 500 milligrams a day will go a long way to helping you ward off bad bruising by adequately building up your collagen tissue.

8. Don’t Touch It

Given that the area is in pain, you might want to massage it — resist the urge. Touching or massaging the bruise may actually resulting in more broken blood vessels and a worse-looking bruise.

9. Apply Arnica to the Bruise

For those who like prefer natural remedies, try arnica. Arnica is a medicinal herb known for treating pain and swelling. You can get it in topical gel or ointment form, which you can then apply directly to the bruised skin.

10. If the Bruise is Accompanied by a Cut, Keep It Covered

Oftentimes, a bruise isn’t the only problem — you can also be dealing with scrape or cut. If that’s the case, you can speed up the healing of the skin by cleaning it thoroughly with soap and water, followed by an application of an antibiotic cream like Neosporin, and then bandaging it securely.

11. Don’t Smoke

If you’re a smoker, and you need yet another reason to quit, you should know that smoking decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair, thus causing your bruise to heal at a glacial pace.

12. Try to Avoid Certain Medications

If you find yourself getting lots of unexplained bruises, you should reevaluate your current prescription regimen. Blood thinning medications, birth control pills, aspirin, arthritis medication, diuretics and corticosteroids may be contributing to your bruises. If you suspect this is the case, talk to your doctor to see if there are alternative medicines you can use so you’ll be less bruised.

See More:

WATCH: 5 Ways Drinking is Hurting Your Skin

Leg Injuries | Michigan Medicine

Do you have a leg injury?

How old are you?

Less than 5 years

5 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Have you had surgery on the leg in the past month?

If a cast, splint, or brace is causing the problem, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Leg surgery in the past month

Has it been more than a month since the leg injury?

Yes

Leg injury over a month ago

Have you had a major trauma in the past 2 to 3 hours?

Yes

Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours

Are you having trouble moving the leg?

Pain and swelling can limit movement.

Can you move the leg at all?

Have you had trouble moving the leg for more than 2 days?

Yes

Difficulty moving leg for more than 2 days

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is increasing

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is improving

Do you have any pain in your leg?

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is getting worse

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is getting better

Has the pain lasted for more than 2 days?

Yes

Pain for more than 2 days

Is the leg blue, very pale, or cold and different from the other leg?

If the leg is in a cast, splint, or brace, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Leg is blue, very pale, or cold and different from other leg

Is there any swelling or bruising?

Did you have swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of the injury?

Yes

Swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of injury

Has swelling lasted for more than 2 days?

Yes

Swelling for more than 2 days

Do you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your leg that has lasted more than an hour?

Weakness is being unable to use the leg normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same as weakness.

Yes

Numbness, tingling, or weakness for more than 1 hour

Do you suspect that the injury may have been caused by abuse?

This is a standard question that we ask in certain topics. It may not apply to you. But asking it of everyone helps us to get people the help they need.

Yes

Injury may have been caused by abuse

Do you think the problem may be causing a fever?

Some bone and joint problems can cause a fever.

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Have you had symptoms for more than a week?

Yes

Symptoms for more than a week

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Major trauma is any event that can cause very serious injury, such as:

A fall from more than 10 ft (3.1 m)[more than 5 ft (1.5 m) for children under 2 years and adults over 65].
A car crash in which any vehicle involved was going more than 20 miles (32 km) per hour.
Any event that causes severe bleeding that you cannot control.
Any event forceful enough to badly break a large bone (like an arm bone or leg bone).

With severe bleeding, any of these may be true:

Blood is pumping from the wound.
The bleeding does not stop or slow down with pressure.
Blood is quickly soaking through bandage after bandage.

With moderate bleeding, any of these may be true:

The bleeding slows or stops with pressure but starts again if you remove the pressure.
The blood may soak through a few bandages, but it is not fast or out of control.

With mild bleeding, any of these may be true:

The bleeding stops on its own or with pressure.
The bleeding stops or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes.

Pain in adults and older children

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Symptoms of infection may include:

Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
Red streaks leading from the area.
Pus draining from the area.
A fever.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
Medicines taken after organ transplant.
Not having a spleen.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Pain in children 3 years and older

Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child’s normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.

When an area turns blue, very pale, or cold, it can mean that there has been a sudden change in the blood supply to the area. This can be serious.

There are other reasons for color and temperature changes. Bruises often look blue. A limb may turn blue or pale if you leave it in one position for too long, but its normal color returns after you move it. What you are looking for is a change in how the area looks (it turns blue or pale) and feels (it becomes cold to the touch), and this change does not go away.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

Passing out (losing consciousness).
Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

Passing out (losing consciousness).
Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
Not responding when being touched or talked to.
Breathing much faster than usual.
Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Put direct, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives. Keep the area raised if you can.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Leg Problems, Noninjury

Postoperative Problems

Leg Bruise – Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

A bruise, or ecchymosis, is a collection of blood in a confined area. It can form directly under the skin, within a muscle, in and around bone, or inside the body. Under the skin, a bruise may cause an area of discoloration that may change colors and spread before resolving. It typically starts with a pinkish red color, becomes bluish, and then turns a yellow-green color.

Pain is often present with bruising and is typically worse with bone bruises than with muscle or surface bruises. Swelling may occur, although muscle and bone bruises may not cause visible symptoms. Bruises can take anywhere from days to months to heal.

Leg bruises are due to an injury to your leg. Common causes of leg injury are automobile or other accidents, falls, sports injuries, bumping into objects, or violent acts. The risk of bruising is increased by medical conditions and medications that interfere with your blood’s ability to clot and by conditions that weaken blood vessels or thin your skin.

Bleeding into a bruise is often limited, but sometimes it can be rapid or ongoing. As a bruise continues to expand, it may form a collection of blood in the tissues known as a hematoma. In this case, the pressure it exerts on nearby structures increases. When this occurs in a superficial bruise, the blood supply to the overlying skin can be decreased. If it occurs in a muscle bruise, a condition called compartment syndrome can occur and can lead to death of muscle cells.

Leg bruises can occasionally have serious complications or may mask other serious injuries.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for leg bruises that are accompanied by severe pain, deformity, excessive swelling, high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), drainage from the bruise, red streaking around the bruise, or if symptoms of shock develop. Shock symptoms include pale or clammy skin, rapid heart rate, chest pain, decreased urine output, blue coloration of the lips and nails, confusion, dizziness, profuse sweating, and changes in level of consciousness.

If your leg bruise is persistent or causes you concern,
seek prompt medical care.

Treatment of a bruised knee

Mechanical injuries or bruises of the knee are quite common. Among the causes of this household injury are winter ice, active sports, traffic accidents, and many other circumstances. Most often, children suffer from knee bruises after a fall, because their musculoskeletal system is not yet stable enough.

First aid for bruised knee

Knee contusions can be of varying severity, and not all of them require immediate medical attention.First of all, you need to examine the joint and assess how strong the pain is: gently stand on your feet, move the damaged joint, walk slowly.

The injured joint should be at rest, preferably in an elevated position for better blood flow from the site of injury. If possible, a piece of ice or any refrigerated object should be applied to the injury site (hold for no more than 15 minutes).

If there is a wound at the site of the injury, rinse it with running water, treat it with an antiseptic and apply a clean, dry bandage.Large wounds require immediate medical attention for professional treatment.

When to see a doctor

Within a few days after providing first aid, the patient’s condition should gradually improve, and the pain should subside every day. If the pain does not improve after a week after the bruised knee, you should see a doctor.

Also, immediate consultation with a specialist is needed if the following symptoms appear:

hematoma, increased in size;
a lump at the site of the injury;
Soreness on movement and crunching of the knee;
swelling, redness;
knee numbness, or, conversely, spontaneous movements;
joint deformity;
increase in body temperature after injury;

The doctor will examine the site of the injury, prescribe an X-ray or ultrasound if necessary, determine the risk of complications and prescribe treatment.

Despite the seeming harmlessness, a knee contusion can be associated with a fracture or fracture of the bone, rupture of the meniscus, tears and inflammation in the tendons, twisting of the ligaments, internal bleeding, hematomas.

Since there are many nerve endings in the area of the knee joint, even a slight injury can cause severe pain. Also in the knee joint are muscle tissues, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, damage to which leads to various disorders. For example, an untreated joint injury can cause arthritis (joint inflammation) or even osteoporosis (increased bone fragility).

Injuries are especially dangerous for children. The child’s body has not yet formed completely, and improperly provided assistance with a bruise can provoke a serious disruption in physical development.

Treatment of the consequences of a bruised knee

After the diagnosis is made, the surgeon or traumatologist will prescribe treatment depending on the severity of the injury.

For cracks and fractures, a plaster cast is applied. If the meniscus ruptures, measures are taken to restore or remove its broken off parts.

In cases of blood accumulation inside the joint, a specialist performs a puncture (medical removal of the accumulated fluid). To relieve pain and inflammation, special medications, physiotherapy procedures and vitamins are prescribed.

Our clinics in St. Petersburg

You can get detailed information and make an appointment by calling
+7 (812) 640-55-25

Treatment of soft tissue bruises | Zhukov D.V., Ustikova N.V., Prokhorenko V.M.

Introduction

Damage to soft tissues accompanies human life. Contusion is a closed mechanical injury to soft tissues caused by short-term exposure to a damaging factor, which is not accompanied by the formation of wounds. With a bruise, there is always a rupture of small vessels with subsequent hemorrhage, the severity of which can be different. Soft tissue injuries, regardless of the cause that caused them, make up the bulk of visits to primary health care institutions.Bruises occur, as a rule, when falling or hitting hard objects. In children of the first years of life, household, play injuries, contusion of the soft tissues of the face and neck prevail. At an older age, the main types of injuries are transport, sports, street injuries [1]. Damage to superficial soft tissues is always accompanied by edema of the site of injury as a result of skin soaking with lymph, blood and local aseptic inflammation. The amount of edema depends on the area of damage to the subcutaneous tissue at the site of injury.So, for example, in the area of the cranial vault, due to a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, the edema is insignificant, while even mild contusions of the face are accompanied by the development of pronounced edema [2]. Bleeding continuing in the depths of the tissues often leads to additional trauma to neighboring tissues as a result of their squeezing, which is accompanied by a gradual increase in pain and dysfunction. Contusion sometimes accompanies other injuries (fracture, etc.), so you should always exclude more complex injuries and assess the consequences of injuries [2, 3].

Soft tissue injuries are accompanied by pain of varying intensity. So, with bruises of large nerves and their endings, the pain is always sharp, shooting. With bruises of the trunk and extremities (shoulder, thigh), tense hematomas can form, with bursting pains, sometimes with superficial numbness.

Treatment of soft tissue injuries is traditionally aimed at eliminating the above symptoms and excluding more severe pathology [4]. Currently, there are treatment standards – clinical guidelines for the provision of emergency medical care for soft tissue injuries, where a special place is given to issues of immobilization, wound toilet and anesthesia [5].The introduction of opioid and non-opioid analgesics is recommended in combination with antihistamines (metamizole sodium, trimeperidine, diphenhydramine). Immobilization should be performed as early as possible. Even with minor injuries, it is better to apply a tight bandage to the bruised area or to immobilize with an orthosis. This will ensure peace of the bruised segment, normalize microcirculation, and reduce motor activity. Some orthosis products have a micromassage effect, which also has a beneficial effect on reparative processes.Along with this, analgesic therapy is carried out. These activities must be performed within the first 3 days. Then it is possible to use warming procedures, physiotherapy measures. Local therapy with ointments and gels can be used from day 1 if they do not have a warming effect and do not increase vascular permeability.

Contusion of soft tissues, and, accordingly, pain are inherently linked. Pain is a kind of psychophysiological state of a person resulting from exposure to super-strong or destructive stimuli and causing functional or organic disorders in the body.Moreover, pain is subjective, its perception is based on personal experience associated with damage in the early period of life. Its perception is determined not only by the source of pain, but also by such seemingly non-obvious factors as the psychophysical and emotional characteristics of the individual, his cultural level, family learning and many others. Most often, it is characterized as a psychophysical state of a person, which is a characteristic reaction to various organic and functional disorders caused by the action of various stimuli.Pain is both a physical sensation and an emotional response to it. Pain expert Margot McCaffrey defines it very succinctly as “whatever the patient says hurts him.”

The functioning of the nociceptive system is mediated by neurochemical mechanisms implemented by endogenous peptides and mediators, including histamine, substance P, kinins, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, potassium and hydrogen ions [4–6]. With pain, the processes of hypercoagulation, lipid peroxidation are activated, the content of proteolytic enzymes increases, which causes tissue destruction.Pain contributes to the development of tissue hypoxia, dystrophic processes and impaired microcirculation in tissues. This, in turn, enhances the alteration of injured tissues [7].

Thus, pain is a complex psychophysiological phenomenon that, both ethically and from a regulatory perspective, requires treatment aimed at pain relief [8]. Understanding the complexity of its nature, mechanisms of development and regulation allows a differentiated approach to the choice of analgesic therapy.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most effective means of protecting peripheral nociceptors that do not cause depression of vital functions. The modern concept of effective pain relief from bruises and other types of injuries involves a multimodal approach – the impact on various links in the conduction of pain impulses. In this regard, it is advisable to combine the administration of NSAIDs with opiates or opioids in case of severe pain syndrome, for example, with shockogenic traumatic injuries.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the drugs of choice for the treatment of mild to moderate pain. Their anti-inflammatory action is based on inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). One of the representatives of NSAIDs is ketoprofen, available in various forms (tablet, injection, external). The triple effect – anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic – is due to blocking the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 and, in part, lipoxygenase, which leads to suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins (incl.including in the central nervous system, most likely in the hypothalamus) and thromboxanes. Ketoprofen stabilizes liposome membranes in vitro and in vivo liposomal membranes, at high concentrations in vitro inhibits the synthesis of bradykinin and leukotrienes. Does not have a negative effect on the condition of the articular cartilage [9].

From the point of view of the ratio of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, ketoprofen seems to be the optimal molecule. Thus, according to an experimental study using a toothache model, ketoprofen has the most pronounced anti-inflammatory effect compared to many NSAIDs, while the clinical efficacy indicator (total pain reduction after 4 hours) is the highest for ketoprofen [10].It is important to note that these experimental data were supported by data from a meta-analysis of 13 RCTs: ketoprofen is significantly superior to diclofenac and ibuprofen in relieving moderate to severe pain [11].

Despite the fact that ketoprofen is a “traditional” non-selective NSAID, it is less likely to cause NSAID-associated complications from the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system – data from a Finnish population study evaluating the causes of 9191 events in the upper gastrointestinal tract ( incl.including cases of bleeding, ulcers and perforation). According to the results obtained, the likelihood of developing serious complications from the gastrointestinal tract when using ketoprofen was lower in comparison with other NSAIDs, such as diclofenac. Ketoprofen showed a similar or even lower risk of developing gastrointestinal tract pathology than a number of selective NSAIDs [9-11]. The minimal negative effect of ketoprofen on the state of the cardiovascular system has been demonstrated in a number of large-scale epidemiological studies.

In a study of the analgesic effect of ketoprofen in the acute period of trauma in patients with various skeletal injuries, the onset of the analgesic effect was noted as early as 12.2 ± 2.6 minutes after intramuscular administration of 100 mg of ketoprofen.The use of 200 mg allowed reducing the expectation of the development of analgesia to 8.2 ± 2.2 minutes. At the same time, in patients with severe musculoskeletal injury, ketonal was used at a dose of 200 mg in combination with intravenous administration of tramadol (100 mg), while the analgesic effect was realized in 5.8 ± 0.9 minutes, which was faster compared to tramadol monotherapy. at the same dosage (6.0 ± 1.2 min) [12].

Purpose of the study: To determine the effectiveness of analgesic therapy for injuries of the upper and lower extremities.

Material and Methods

A pilot prospective comparative study was carried out, which included 54 patients with soft tissue contusion of the shoulder (n = 27) and hip (n = 27). The bruises in all patients were characterized by the formation of subcutaneous or intradermal hemorrhage, soft tissue edema without muscle damage. Inclusion criteria : age 25-50 years, compensated comorbid pathology. Non-inclusion criteria : decompensated comorbidity or concomitant pathology requiring constant drug support; severe damage to soft tissues; the duration of the damage is more than 1 day; self-administration of analgesics and other medications for the purpose of pain relief before the initial visit.All patients signed informed consent to participate in the study.

During the initial examination, all patients underwent ultrasound of the injury site to exclude more severe pathology. Edema of soft tissue was assessed at each visit by the circumference volume of the injured limb segment, measured in the upper, middle and lower third, and compared to the intact limb. The restoration of function was assessed if the patient was able to perform flexion in the elbow and shoulder joints and squat at least 10 times, as well as holding a weight of 2.5 kg for more than 2 minutes in the outstretched arm.

The patients were divided into 8 groups depending on the form of the drugs received. Group 1 (n = 6) – patients with injuries of the upper limb who received ketoprofen tablets (Ketonal ^®) at a dosage of 100 mg 1 r / day; Group 2 – patients with injuries of the upper limb (n = 6) who received diclofenac tablets in a daily dosage of 100 mg; Group 3 (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the lower limb who received ketoprofen tablets at a dosage of 100 mg 1 r / day; 4th group (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the lower limb who received diclofenac tablets at a dosage of 100 mg; Group 5 (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the upper limb, in whose supervision an injectable form of ketoprofen was used at a daily dosage of 100 mg; Group 6 (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the upper limb, in the treatment of whom the injectable form of diclofenac 100 mg was used; Group 7 (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the lower limb who received ketoprofen injections at a dose of 100 mg; Group 8 (n = 7) – patients with injuries of the lower limb and the use of an injectable form of diclofenac.

In all patients, in addition to analgesic therapy, on the 1st day, the injury site was immobilized with a tight bandage and cooling procedures were used. At the next visit (on the 2nd day and then every day), the intensity of pain was assessed by VAS, the severity of edema. Treatment and observation of patients were stopped when a persistent analgesic effect (according to VAS) was achieved, there was no increase in soft tissue edema, and limb function was restored.

Results and Discussion

The average age of the patients was 44.7 years.The male to female ratio was 1: 1.

As can be seen in Figure 1, with bruises of the upper limb, ketoprofen in tablets began to show its activity already at the 10th minute, with bruises of the lower limb – a little later, at the 20th minute. The use of the injection form (Fig. 2) provided a pronounced analgesic effect as early as the 5th minute. Both the tablet and the injectable form of ketoprofen have shown an advantage over diclofenac. By the 3-4th day, in all cases, it was possible to achieve complete relief of pain.The duration of the analgesic effect of the drugs was not studied due to the large psychoemotional component and the small sample of patients. A feature of the assessment of pain at the initial visit was that patients with shoulder contusion rated pain 2-3 points higher than patients with hip contusion (6–8 points).

I would like to note that, despite the effectiveness of the injectable form of the drug, the form of choice for patients with hand injuries, according to the survey, remained the tablet form.In patients with leg injuries, the injection form was preferred. Here we have to state a paradox: with a more pronounced pain syndrome with a bruise of the upper limb, a more effective injection form is used much less often than in patients with damage to the lower limb.

Conclusion

Thus, this pilot study confirmed the efficacy and rapid onset of the analgesic effect of ketoprofen in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.The use of the drug allows you to completely stop the pain syndrome within 3 days. The data obtained within a small sample give grounds to expand the observation group to increase the power of the study, forming clinical groups depending on the type, degree of damage and the location of the injury.

Information about the authors:

Zhukov Dmitry Viktorovich – Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education, Novosibirsk State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia; 630091, Russia, g.Novosibirsk, Krasny Prospect, 52; ORCID iD 0000-0002-4334-217X.

Ustikova Nina Vasilievna – rheumatologist of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “NNITO im. Ya.L. Tsivyan “of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 630091, Russia, Novosibirsk, st. Frunze, 17.

Prokhorenko Valery Mikhailovich – Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education of the Novosibirsk State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 630091, Russia, Novosibirsk, Krasny Prospect, 52; Leading Researcher of FSBI “NNITO im.Ya.L. Tsivyan “of the Ministry of Health of Russia; 630091, Russia, Novosibirsk, st. Frunze, 17.

Contact information: Dmitry Zhukov, e-mail: [email protected]. Funding source: This publication was carried out with the support of Sandoz JSC. Conflict of interest : Authors received a reward for writing an article. None of the authors has a financial interest in the presented materials, methods and results.The article was received on March 22, 2021, received after reviewing on April 14, 2021, and accepted for publication on April 28, 2021.

About the authors:

Dmitry V. Zhukov – Cand. of Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Novosibirsk State Medical University; 52, Krasnyi prospect, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-4334-217X.

Nina V. Ustikova – rheumatologist, Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after Ya.L. Tsivyan; 17, Frunze str., Novosibirsk, 630091, Russian Federation.

Valery M. Prokhorenko – Dr. of Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Novosibirsk State Medical University; 52, Krasnyi prospect, Novosibirsk, 630091, Russian Federation; leading researcher of the Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after Ya.L. Tsivyan; 17, Frunze str., Novosibirsk, 630091, Russian Federation.

Contact information: Dmitry V.Zhukov, e-mail: [email protected]. Financial Disclosure: this article was published with the support of JSC Sandoz. Conflict of interests: authors received a reward for preparing a paper. No authors have a financial or property interest in any material, method or results mentioned. Received 03/22/2021, revised 04/14/2021, accepted 04/28/2021.

Injuries and bruises: how to provide first aid?

Illustration by Roman Zakharov specially for Informburo.kz

You stumbled while walking, lost balance while cycling, or bumped while cleaning the house.The result is a bruise. This is the most common type of injury, so it is especially important to know how to properly provide first aid in case of injury.

What to look for first of all?

For bruises. A bruise is an injury to the soft tissues of the body (skin, fatty layer, blood vessels) that occurs due to a fall or hit with a blunt object. The site of the bruise usually hurts a lot, swelling, swelling and bruising appear on it. But do not rush to assess the severity of the trauma by the hematoma – people with fragile blood vessels and the elderly, even with a light blow, develop large, frightening bruises.In this case, a head injury, which may be accompanied by a concussion, is most often manifested by a small inconspicuous bump. The absence of bruising does not mean that the injury is harmless. On the contrary, with a slight bruise, the bruise becomes visible almost immediately, and with a deeper injury, the hematoma will appear only after 2-3 days.

How to distinguish a bruise from a fracture?

Contusions are less painful and do not greatly affect performance. For example, if you break your foot, you will not be able to walk.With a bruise, you can move, but this is accompanied by severe pain. At the time of injury and immediately after, the pain is intense, but over time it diminishes and goes away in a few days. Compare the injured limb with the healthy one. With a fracture, the limb is sometimes deformed: it is stretched or, conversely, shortened due to the displacement of the bones, which does not happen with a bruise.

Roman Zakharov for Informburo.kz

How can you help at the scene?

Immobility is the most important condition for a speedy recovery.The less a person moves the damaged part of the body, the more likely it is to avoid the unpleasant consequences of the injury.

If the blow fell on an arm or leg, try to lie down with your limb on a hill and fix it in a calm state. Apply ice to the bruise to reduce the bruise. It is advisable to cool the injury site on the first day after the injury. After a couple of hours, you can apply a tight bandage to the sore spot to squeeze the tissue and prevent the hemorrhage from spreading. It is worth wearing it for at least a couple of days.If the pain persists for a long time, and bruises and swelling grow, be sure to consult a doctor.

Roman Zakharov for Informburo.kz

For what bruises is it better to see a doctor right away?

In case of bruises of the head, face and body of the victim, it is especially important to lay down and leave alone so as not to harm. In the first minutes, a cold compress will also come to the rescue, but in no case should you self-medicate such an injury. The doctor should examine the patient.It is important to understand if the bones and internal organs are damaged.

It turns out that bruises can only be healed by rest?

Pain relievers can be used to speed up recovery and reduce pain and bruising. If the skin at the site of the injury is not damaged and there are no open wounds, it is better to get rid of the pain pointwise. For example, the company JSC “Khimfarm” sells a drug and a gel that help reduce pain. When using an ibuprofen gel, apply a strip of gel and rub gently into the skin until completely absorbed.It has a local analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect mainly due to inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins – mediators of pain and inflammation.

If the hematoma is too unpleasant to touch, take ibuprofen capsules. They have no taste or smell, the shell dissolves quickly, and its contents are easily digested.

Adults and children over 12 years old (over 40 kg) can take 1 capsule up to 3-4 times a day every 6-8 hours. To achieve a faster therapeutic effect in adults, a single dose can be increased to 2 capsules (400 mg) up to 3 times a day (do not exceed the daily dosage).If, after taking the drug for 2-3 days, the symptoms persist or worsen, it is necessary to stop treatment and consult a doctor

Roman Zakharov for Informburo.kz

By the way, what doctor should I go to in case of bruises?

After providing first aid, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if it seems that the injury is not serious. Go to the emergency room or the emergency room of a hospital where there is a trauma or surgery department.If this is not possible, a therapist or pediatrician can help you, who also need to know the rules of first aid for injuries.

And you can somehow protect yourself from bruises:

To reduce the risk, follow some rules:

Choose comfortable shoes with flat or wide heels;
In winter, avoid snow-covered paths, under which there may be ice;
Carry bags in both hands to distribute the weight evenly;
If you feel that you are falling, do not put your hands in the direction of the fall, so as not to break your hands and forearms;
If you lose your balance, try to group or bend your legs;
It is better to fall on your side and thus distribute the blow to the whole body.

First aid for bruises | City polyclinic 4

05.12.2018

Bruises are the most common type of injury that can occur while playing sports, doing housework, or even just walking down the street. You did not keep your balance on a slippery path or unsuccessfully put a culinary hatchet on the table, stumbled while jogging or did not calculate the height of the bed while cleaning the floors, the result is a bruise.
In medicine , contusion is characterized as injury to the soft tissues of the body (skin, fatty layer, blood vessels) without serious damage to the skin during a fall or hit with a blunt object. The main symptoms of bruise are pain in the damaged area, hemorrhages as a result of rupture of blood vessels, the formation of hematoma and edema. In terms of severity, bruises are subdivided into mild, moderate and severe. Moreover, such a symptom of a bruise , like a bruise, cannot be a characteristic of the severity of a bruise.For example, in the elderly and people with fragile vessels, a hematoma can be simply frightening even with a slight bruise. On the other hand, bruise head is most often accompanied by a small bump, and only after a while do symptoms indicating a concussion (nausea, dizziness, nosebleeds) appear. the nature of damage to bones, internal organs located near the site of injury, and other latent consequences.So, for example, if symptom of bruise of the face or body, along with others, is the appearance of air under the skin, this may be evidence of damage to the sinuses or lungs. It is impossible to cope with such consequences on your own. Sometimes bruises appear in the wrong place where the blow fell. For example, hematomas around the eyes can be a symptom of an injury to the base of the skull, which is a serious and dangerous event. Be that as it may – you have decided to cope with the injury on your own or are waiting for the doctor to come – you need to take urgent measures. First aid for bruises should be provided as early as possible. The fact is that a bruise is accompanied by a rupture of blood vessels, while small vessels bleed for several minutes, and larger ones can fill nearby tissues with blood throughout the day. This increases the edema, the hematoma acquires a rather large size, which makes the adjacent tissues and organs under pressure, and their integrity and functioning may be impaired. In addition, large hematomas take a long time to resolve, which sometimes leads to the need to remove their contents by puncture or even opening the hematoma cavity.It is clear that first aid techniques for bruises should be aimed at stopping bleeding as quickly as possible. For example, in the elderly and people with fragile vessels, a hematoma can be simply frightening even with a slight bruise. On the other hand, bruise head is most often accompanied by a small bump, and only after a while do symptoms indicating a concussion appear (nausea, dizziness, nosebleeds).

For any injury, regardless of the severity of the symptoms, you need to consult a doctor to determine the nature of damage to bones, internal organs located near the site of injury, and other latent consequences.

First aid for bruised limbs

The patient is placed with the injured limb raised higher. Then a tight bandage is made on the site of the injury and ice is applied.

First aid for bruises of the face and body The patient must also be put to bed and ensure complete rest. An ice pack or cold compress should be applied to the site of the injury. In this case, it is impossible to make a tight bandage, but you have a chance to stop the spread of the hematoma with the help of cool lead lotions.

Treatment of bruises On the first day we continue treatment with cold: ice, special cooling bags sold in pharmacies, cold lotions, which are changed as it warms up.
Cooling is no longer required after 24 hours. Now we apply another tactic – warming up. Warm baths, compresses and lotions will help to quickly relieve swelling and speed up the resolution of the bruise. In this case, the doctor will prescribe special ointments, dry compresses or lotions with the addition of alcohol.In the case of moderate and severe bruises, a course of physiotherapy using UHF devices, a magnet, electrophoresis with medicinal solutions will be recommended. If bones or internal organs have been damaged as a result of a bruise, the doctor will prescribe treatment that is appropriate for these cases.

prepared by traumatologist A.S. Palubets

Knee contusion treatment | Artromedicenter

If the pain persists the next day after receiving a bruise, then it is necessary to re-take non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac, Ketorol, Indomethacin, Ketonal, Diklak, Oksigan).Accept according
instructions. Some medicinal NSAIDs are available in the form of ointments, for example, Diclofenac, Ketonal, Ketorol, Indomethacin.
They can be applied simultaneously with taking the tablets to damaged areas, this will increase the effectiveness of the treatment. Ointment
apply 3 to 4 times. The course is approximately 2 weeks, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor. You also need to apply
means with cooling and anti-inflammatory properties (Menovazin, Voltaren, Nise).

After reducing puffiness, the end of the acute period of inflammation, you need to start applying ointments with warming
properties. They will enhance blood circulation at the site of injury, stimulate tissue healing. Effectively act
the following drugs:

Viprosal;
Camphor ointment;
Analgos;
Fastum gel;
Apizartron;
Chondroprotectors, for example, Arthra Dona, accelerate the healing and recovery process.Active ingredients are active
participate in the restoration of damaged soft tissue cells.

For knee bruises, medications with decongestant, absorbable properties are prescribed. The best are considered
Troxevasin, Traumeel, Heparin ointment. They can be used immediately after injury and continued until the end.
recovery period.Ointment is applied to the area of inflammation in the morning and before bedtime with light movements until absorbed.
It is necessary to apply until the edema and redness on the skin disappear.

Complex drugs are on sale, for example, Indovazin. It contains two ingredients – troxevasin and indomethacin. it
the agent works as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, dissolves hematomas well.

It is effective to use special plasters – Nanoplast Forte. It must be glued to the affected area. It improves
movement of blood, accelerates healing. Apply the patch from 3 to 9 days, depending on the condition of the victim
person. 12 days after the injury, it is recommended to undergo a massage course, begin to engage in special
exercises to restore the mobility of the knee joint.

If you have certain symptoms, we advise you to seek advice from
specialist. Diagnostics
will allow you to start timely treatment of the knee joint, which will avoid the risk of developing
serious pathologies and
will allow you to forget about the pain.

Do you need expert advice?

Do you have questions and would like to get expert advice? Leave your contact details and we will contact you!

90,000 First aid for a bruised knee – what to do?

First aid for a bruised knee is as follows: to provide maximum protection for the affected joint, excluding even the smallest stress.An effective method in this situation would be the use of cold. Cold procedures lead to vasospasm, which reduces the extent of internal hemorrhage. It is very important to stop the growth of hemarthrosis, since the hematoma compresses the nerve endings and creates intense pain. If the incident occurred on the street and movement in the limb is severely limited, you need to call an ambulance. Before the arrival of doctors, you need to sit on a bench and raise the bruised leg as high as possible to reduce blood flow.Primary methods of treatment greatly affect the further effectiveness of recovery, so you should not neglect even a second.

Knee injury treatment

Knee injury what to do? Any knee injury requires careful treatment and a special approach. In the presence of a severe pain syndrome, anesthesia with various medications is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. As a rule, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used: Ketanov, Diclofenac, Analgin and others.You can use a different ointment for bruises. To remove swelling and reduce pain, the doctor performs a puncture of the knee joint and aspirates the accumulated blood. Next, a fixing bandage is applied, which will restrict movement and will warm the damaged area. If you do not know the exact diagnosis, you should not self-medicate, as this can lead to various complications.

The first days after the injury, it is recommended to limit any movement in the joint so that it can recover faster.With such an injury, the rehabilitation period is very long, because the knee is a movement. But, this can be corrected by applying various healing procedures. For example, a patient is prescribed physiotherapy. Various ointments containing anti-inflammatory and analgesic components also serve as an aid: Traumeel C, arthroactive, fastum gel, ferbedon, Lyoton and others. For quick healing of the knee joint, chondroprotective agents are also used: Collagen Ultra gel and cream. Traditional medicine can successfully answer the question of how to treat a knee injury.These can be ointments based on pork fat with the addition of plantain leaves. You can apply an ointment based on cinquefoil.

Typically, a bruised knee takes 2 to 3 weeks to heal properly. In more severe cases, the rehabilitation period is significantly increased. So take care of yourself!

How to quickly get rid of a bruise

What is contusion

A bruise is a soft tissue injury that does not affect the bone. In case of a bruise, the integrity of the skin is not violated, and the subcutaneous tissue and small blood vessels “suffer” first of all.

Determining that you “got” a bruise is quite simple. Moderate pain is felt at the site of the injury. To the touch, the bruised area becomes denser, reddens and slightly swells. If you bruise a joint (such as a knee or elbow), swelling may appear on the affected leg or arm, and a bruise may develop after a couple of days.

Why does a bruise appear after a bruise? The blow to the body damages the blood vessels, and blood flows from them into the soft tissues. “Holes” in small vessels quickly tighten special cells.But it takes time to remove blood from soft tissues. Blooming hematoma – the process of breakdown of hemoglobin, which gives the area of damage the appropriate color: first red, purple, then green, yellow, and then no trace remains.

If you are hurt, it is important to make sure that the impact does not damage the bone. If the swelling is large, and it is scary to even touch the bruised area, it is better to consult a traumatologist. The doctor will send you for an x-ray. If the bones are intact, you can heal yourself.

How to reduce bruised pain

If you have just hit, the best thing to do is to apply cold to the area of the injury. Cold slows down bleeding under the skin and cools pain-sensitive receptors, decreasing the strength of the pain signal that the receptors transmit to the brain. As a result, bruising and swelling will be less than they would be without cooling.

A cellophane bag with crushed ice, frozen meat and any product from the freezer will work well for cooling a bruise, but you can only apply it through a cloth.Special cryopackages are sold in pharmacies. If there is no ice, you can substitute the affected area under a stream of cold tap water for 1-5 minutes.

How to quickly get rid of a bruise

The most important thing to do when dealing with bruising is to reduce inflammation. Then you need to help the body get rid of the blood that has got under the skin and restore damaged cells. For this, external treatments are used – ointments and gels.

It is important to remember that the ointment should not be applied to abrasions and scratches that could appear with a bruise.You can spread the area around the abrasions by gently rubbing the product into your skin.

Two types of ointments are used to treat bruises and bumps.

1. Ointments for pain

“Cooling” ointments that reduce discomfort after injury can reduce inflammatory symptoms.

It is worth paying attention to ointments containing menthol and eucalyptus oil. Such ointments are excellent for relieving pain. Ointments based on animal sponge badyagi relieve pain, accelerate healing and at the same time reduce inflammation.

2. Ointments for edema

Ointments for edema strengthen the capillary walls and reduce inflammation in the area of injury. Often these ointments make the blood more fluid, which also speeds up the “resorption” of the bruise.

The most popular “decongestant” ointments contain the active substance troxerutin (strengthens blood vessels), sodium heparin.

If you decide to use different types of ointments, you should not mix them. Mixing, the ointments will work worse.

Use the ointments one at a time, or apply one ointment over the joint and the other underneath.This will help maintain the “double effect” of different types of ointments without unpleasant consequences.

Be healthy!

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