Treatment for bruised muscle. Muscle Contusions: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Strategies

What are the main causes of muscle contusions. How can you identify the symptoms of a muscle bruise. What are the most effective treatment methods for muscle contusions. When should you seek medical attention for a bruised muscle. How long does it typically take for a muscle contusion to heal.

Understanding Muscle Contusions: Definition and Causes

A muscle contusion, commonly known as a bruise, is a type of injury that occurs when a direct blow or repeated blows from a blunt object strike part of the body. This impact crushes underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. Contusions can also result from falling or jamming the body against a hard surface.

Muscle contusions are particularly common in contact sports, ranking second only to strains as a leading cause of sports injuries. While most contusions are minor and heal quickly, severe cases can cause deep tissue damage and lead to complications that may sideline an athlete for months.

Common Causes of Muscle Contusions

• Direct blows from blunt objects
• Falls onto hard surfaces
• Collisions in contact sports
• Repeated impacts to the same area

Recognizing the Symptoms of Muscle Contusions

Identifying the symptoms of a muscle contusion is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. The most common signs include:

• Swelling and pain in the affected area
• Limited range of motion in nearby joints
• Bluish discoloration due to torn blood vessels
• Weakness and stiffness in the injured muscle
• Formation of a hematoma (a pool of blood within damaged tissue)

In severe cases, extensive swelling and bleeding beneath the skin may cause shock. It’s important to note that muscle contusions can sometimes be accompanied by other injuries such as broken bones, dislocated joints, sprains, or torn muscles.

Assessing the Severity of a Muscle Contusion

How can you determine if a muscle contusion is severe? Look for these signs:

1. Intense pain that doesn’t subside
2. Significant swelling or discoloration
3. Inability to move the affected limb
4. Numbness or tingling in the area
5. Signs of shock, such as pale, cool skin or dizziness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Procedures for Muscle Contusions

When you visit a healthcare provider for a suspected muscle contusion, they will typically perform a thorough physical examination to determine the exact location and extent of the injury. In some cases, additional diagnostic tools may be used to get a clearer picture of the damage.

Common Diagnostic Tools for Muscle Contusions

• Ultrasound: Provides real-time images of soft tissues
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed images of muscles and surrounding tissues
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans: Can reveal any associated bone injuries

In certain situations, your doctor may also need to check for nerve injury, especially if you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in the affected area.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Muscle Contusions

The primary goals of treating a muscle contusion are to control pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. The RICE method is often recommended as the first line of treatment:

• Rest: Protect the injured area from further harm by stopping activity
• Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth for 20 minutes at a time
• Compression: Lightly wrap the injured area in a soft bandage
• Elevation: Raise the affected area above heart level when possible

In addition to the RICE method, your healthcare provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen for pain relief. It’s important to avoid massaging the injured area, as this can exacerbate the injury.

Advanced Treatment Options for Severe Contusions

What happens if a muscle contusion is particularly severe? In cases where a large hematoma doesn’t resolve within several days, your doctor may recommend surgical drainage to speed up healing. This procedure involves making a small incision to remove the accumulated blood and reduce pressure on the surrounding tissues.

Rehabilitation Process for Muscle Contusions

After the initial acute phase of injury (typically 24 to 48 hours), the focus shifts to rehabilitation. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the injured area.

Phases of Muscle Contusion Rehabilitation

1. Gentle Stretching: Begin with light stretches to improve range of motion
2. Weightbearing Exercises: Gradually introduce exercises that put weight on the affected area
3. Strengthening Exercises: Focus on rebuilding muscle strength in the injured area
4. Sport-Specific Training: As healing progresses, incorporate exercises that mimic the movements of your sport

It’s crucial to increase your activity level gradually during rehabilitation. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to the development of excessive scar tissue, which may cause additional problems.

Return to Play: When Is It Safe?

The timeline for returning to sports after a muscle contusion varies depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s healing process. Generally, you may be cleared to return to non-contact sports once you have regained normal, pain-free range of motion in the affected area.

For contact sports, your healthcare provider will likely want to see that you’ve regained full strength, motion, and endurance before clearing you to play. In some cases, they may recommend wearing a customized protective device to prevent re-injury to the affected area.

Protective Measures for Returning Athletes

• Custom-fitted padding to distribute impact forces
• Compression garments to support the injured area
• Gradual return to full intensity training
• Regular monitoring and assessment by medical professionals

Potential Complications of Muscle Contusions

While most muscle contusions heal without incident, there are potential complications that can arise, especially in cases of deep or severe contusions. Two of the more serious complications are compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans.

Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a muscular compartment increases to dangerous levels, impeding blood flow and potentially causing tissue damage. This condition requires immediate medical attention and often surgical intervention.

Myositis Ossificans

Myositis ossificans is a condition where bone tissue forms within the injured muscle. This can lead to chronic pain and limited range of motion. It’s more likely to occur if an athlete returns to activity too soon after a severe contusion.

Prompt medical treatment and adherence to rehabilitation guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.

Prevention Strategies for Muscle Contusions

While it’s not always possible to prevent muscle contusions, especially in contact sports, there are steps athletes can take to reduce their risk:

• Proper Equipment: Wear appropriate protective gear for your sport
• Strengthening Exercises: Build muscle strength to better absorb impacts
• Technique Training: Learn proper techniques to avoid unnecessary collisions
• Adequate Warm-up: Prepare your muscles for activity with a thorough warm-up
• Rest and Recovery: Allow sufficient time between intense training sessions

By implementing these preventive measures, athletes can reduce their risk of muscle contusions and other sports-related injuries.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for muscle contusions is crucial for athletes and active individuals. By recognizing the signs of a contusion early and seeking appropriate treatment, you can minimize recovery time and reduce the risk of complications. Remember, while most contusions heal without incident, severe cases require professional medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the severity of your injury or the best course of treatment.

What is a muscle contusion?

Muscle Contusion (Bruise)

A Muscle Contusion causes swelling and pain, and limits joint range of motion near the injury. … The injured muscle may feel weak and stiff. Sometimes a pool of blood collects within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury (hematoma). In severe cases, swelling and bleeding beneath the skin may cause shock.

Athletes in all contact sports have many opportunities to get a muscle contusion (bruise). Contusions are second only to strains as a leading cause of sports injuries.

Most contusions are minor and heal quickly, without taking the athlete away from the game. But, severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and can lead to complications that may keep the athlete out of sports for months.

Cause

Contusions occur when a direct blow or repeated blows from a blunt object strike part of the body, crushing underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. A contusion can result from falling or jamming the body against a hard surface.

Symptoms

Contusions cause swelling and pain, and limit joint range of motion near the injury. Torn blood vessels may cause bluish discoloration. The injured muscle may feel weak and stiff.

Sometimes a pool of blood collects within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury (hematoma).

In severe cases, swelling and bleeding beneath the skin may cause shock. If tissue damage is extensive, you may also have a broken bone, dislocated joint, sprain, torn muscle, or other injuries.

Contusions to the abdomen may damage internal organs.

Doctor Examination

See your doctor right away for complete diagnosis. A physical examination will determine the exact location and extent of injury.

Diagnostic imaging tools may be used to better visualize inside the injured area of your body. These tools include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans.

For some injuries, your doctor may also need to check for nerve injury.

Treatment

To control pain, bleeding, and inflammation, keep the muscle in a gentle stretch position and use the RICE formula:

• Rest. Protect the injured area from further harm by stopping play. You may also use a protective device (i.e., crutches, sling).
• Ice. Apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth. (Remove ice after 20 minutes.)
• Compression. Lightly wrap the injured area in a soft bandage or ace wrap.
• Elevation. Raise it to a level above the heart.

Most athletes with contusions get better quickly with simple treatment measures. Your doctor may give you nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, or other medications for pain relief. Do not massage the injured area.

During the first 24 to 48 hours after injury (acute phase), you will probably need to continue using rest, ice, compression bandages, and elevation of the injured area to control bleeding, swelling, and pain. While the injured part heals, be sure to keep exercising the uninjured parts of your body to maintain your overall level of fitness.

If there is a large hematoma that does not go away within several days, your doctor may drain it surgically to speed healing.

Rehabilitation

After a few days, inflammation should start to go down and the injury may feel a little better. At this time, your doctor may tell you to apply gentle heat to the injury and start the rehabilitation process. Remember to increase your activity level gradually.

Depending upon the extent of your injuries, returning to your normal sports activity may take several weeks or longer. If you put too much stress on the injured area before it has healed enough, excessive scar tissue may develop and cause more problems.

In the first phase of rehabilitation, your doctor may prescribe gentle stretching exercises that begin to restore range of motion to the injured area.

Once your range of motion has improved, your doctor may prescribe weightbearing and strengthening exercises.

When you have normal, pain-free range of motion, your doctor may let you return to non-contact sports.

Return to Play

You may be able to return to contact sports when you get back your full strength, motion, and endurance. When your doctor says you are ready to return to play, he or she may want you to wear a customized protective device to prevent further injury to the area that had a contusion.

Depending upon your sport, you may get special padding made of firm or semi-firm materials. The padding spreads out the force of impact when direct blows from blunt objects strike your body.

Complications

Getting prompt medical treatment and following your doctor’s advice about rehabilitation can help you avoid serious medical complications that occasionally result from deep muscle contusions. Two of the more common complications are compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans.

Compartment Syndrome

In certain cases, rapid bleeding may cause extremely painful swelling within the muscle group of your arm, leg, foot, or buttock. Build-up of pressure from fluids several hours after a contusion injury can disrupt blood flow and prevent nourishment from reaching the muscle group. Compartment syndrome may require urgent surgery to drain the excess fluids.

Myositis Ossificans

Young athletes who try to rehabilitate a severe contusion too quickly sometimes develop myositis ossificans. This is a condition in which the bruised muscle grows bone instead of new muscle cells.

Symptoms may include mild to severe pain that does not go away and swelling at the injury site. Abnormal bone formations can also reduce your flexibility. Vigorous stretching exercises may make the condition worse.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce inflammation will usually help. Gentle stretching exercises may improve flexibility. Surgery is rarely required.

BoulderCentre can help. Call us (303) 449-2730 and ask to see one of our sports medicine specialists or choose from any one of our many surgical or general health practitioners.

Article courtesy of AAOS: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Muscle Bruise Symptoms and Treatment

Muscle contusions are very common sports injuries, second in frequency in athletes only to muscle strains. Most frequently seen in participants in contact sports such as football, rugby, and lacrosse, muscle contusions also occur in non-contact sports such as soccer, baseball, and basketball. The most common areas of injury are the thigh, followed by the arm. Almost all muscle contusions can be treated without surgery, but there is often debate about what the ideal treatment of a muscle contusion should be.

Mixmike / E+ / Getty Images

Symptoms

Making a diagnosis of a muscle contusion is relatively straightforward if there is an obvious injury the athlete or patient remembers but can be more difficult if the particular injury is not recalled. Typically, the issue is to exclude other, often more serious injuries. These injuries may include fractures (broken bones), dislocations, and complete muscle ruptures.

Common symptoms of muscle contusion injuries include:

• Pain directly over the contused area
• Swelling, bruising, and redness
• Painful range or motion

Muscle Contusion Injuries

When a muscle contusion injury occurs, a portion of the muscle ruptures. This causes a disruption of the small blood vessels called capillaries and bleeding into the muscle tissue. At that point, the bleeding forms a collection of blood within and around the muscle tissue called a hematoma. After the initial injury, there is a gradual increase in inflammation over the next several days. While much of the focus of treatment of muscle injuries has been to control this inflammation, we also know the inflammation is important to the healing response. This causes disagreement among some doctors and scientists about the optimal treatment of muscle contusion injuries.

As the muscle tissue heals, many athletes fear the formation of scar tissue. Early movement seems to help prevent scar formation. In addition, the amount of scar is very closely related to the severity of the initial injury, where more severe muscle tearing causes more significant scar formation.

Optimal Treatment of Muscle Contusions

As stated, there is controversy about the optimal treatment of muscle contusion injuries. If you have sustained a contusion, and you have been evaluated to ensure there was not a more serious injury, some of the common treatments include:

Ice

Ice application is often performed and does help reduce the earliest stages of inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated the effects of icing are probably only significant in the first minutes and hours after the injury, but ice may help with pain control thereafter.

Early Movement

Immobilization has been shown to be detrimental to healing muscle leading to joint stiffness and muscle atrophy. Gentle range-of-motion activity is recommended and splinting or immobilization should be avoided. If weight-bearing contributes to pain, crutches can help alleviate pain while allowing for some mobility.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids (cortisone) have been used to treat muscle contusions. The idea is they will decrease inflammation and move healing into the repair phase. Studies have shown minimal effects and conflicting results. There is no conclusive evidence that these treatments change the result of a muscle contusion healing, but they may help to control symptoms.

Surgery

Almost all muscle contusion injuries are treated non-surgically. In very rare circumstances, where the injury causes a large defect in the muscle, some surgeons may recommend a repair. Again, there is little scientific data to support this method of treatment.

Complications of Contusions

One of the unusual complications of a muscle contusion is called myositis ossificans. This unusual complication tends to occur in more severe contusion injuries, but it is unclear why it occurs in some patients and not others. Patients who develop myositis ossificans develop bone formation within the muscle tissue. Ultimately, the bone may have to be surgically removed, but this removal has to be delayed otherwise the myositis ossificans is likely to recur. Typically, surgery is delayed for about a year before surgical removal.

Treatment Tips To Get A Bruise To Heal

When someone hits you — or you bump into something hard — it can break the small blood vessels beneath your skin. That’s where a bruise forms. This happens because the blood leaks out and has nowhere else to go. It stays there until your body absorbs it while you’re healing.

Once you’re bruised, you’ll have that telltale black-and-blue mark on your skin for up to 2 weeks. The bruise should change colors as it heals. You may also have some pain and swelling. It will hurt most in the first few days after your injury.

When you’re bruised, there are simple things you can do to try to help the healing process along. Here are some tips that may help your bruise go away more quickly.

Ice Therapy

Put ice on your bruise right after you get injured. That can reduce the size of your bruise, which may allow it to heal faster. The cold temperature from an ice pack makes the blood in that area flow more slowly. It may reduce the amount of blood that leaks out of your vessels.

Don’t put ice directly on your bruise. Protect your skin by wrapping the ice in a washcloth or paper towel. Take the ice off after about 10 minutes. Leaving it on too long could harm your skin. It’s OK to put ice on your bruise several times a day, as long as you take a break after every time you do it.

Peas, yes. Steak, no. You may have seen people in old movies or cartoons putting raw steaks on their bruises — especially on black eyes. Don’t do this yourself. It’s not safe to handle raw meat or place it against your eye or another body part, since it may be loaded with bacteria. Steaks and other raw meats don’t have special healing powers that can help a bruise. Raw meat tends to be cold, so that’s why it may have been used to soothe sore spots in decades past. If you don’t have any ice in your freezer, reach for a bag of frozen peas instead of a steak. Place the whole bag of veggies on your bruise for 10 minutes at a time to ease the pain, just like you would with ice.

Heat Therapy

Heat boosts blood flow, and that can help clear up a bruise. Wait until 48 hours after the bruise appeared, then put a heating pad or warm compress on it several times a day. You also might soak in a hot bath to ease pain and loosen up your muscles

Rest

Stop what you’re doing when you get hurt. That can keep the bruise from getting worse. If you get kicked during a soccer game, get off the field. Get off your feet. This slows down the blood flow to your bruise. That should keep it from becoming worse than if you kept running around.

You may want to massage the sore spot when you’re resting, but it’s a bad idea. That can make the injured spot worse. You may break more blood vessels under the skin and make the bruised area larger.

Elevation

After you’re injured, it helps if you raise it above the level of your heart. This trick uses gravity to help keep your bruise as small as can be. When the sore spot is below the level of your heart, the blood there pools more easily, which can make the bruise larger. But when the sore spot is lifted above your heart, more blood will flow back to your heart.

For best results, combine steps: Rest the bruise and raise it above the level of

Compression

Compression is when you put pressure on the injured area. It can help ease any swelling caused by the bruise. It’s best to use an elastic bandage and wrap the area firmly but not too tight.

Pain Relievers

Your pain should begin to subside about 3 days after you were bruised. In the meantime, if the bruise really hurts or is swollen, you can take over-the-counter drugs to relieve your pain. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used, though there is a slight increase in bleeding especially in elderly patients or in those already on a blood thinner.

Natural Treatments

A few natural substances may help get rid of a bruise more quickly, including:

• Arnica: This cream made with this flower may help lessen the effects of a bruise.
• Bromelain: A group of enzymes found in the pineapple, may help make a bruise go away faster.
• Aloe vera: This plant has vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that soothe and moisturize the skin. It’s used to treat many types of skin conditions, including bruises.
• Vitamin K: Studies have shown that phytonadione, or vitamin K1, can speed up the healing of bruising.

Bruise: First aid – Mayo Clinic

A bruise forms when a blow breaks blood vessels near your skin’s surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood may cause a bruise that at first looks like a black-and-blue mark and then changes color as it heals.

You can enhance bruise healing with a few simple techniques. Remember RICE, for rest, ice, compress and elevate:

• Rest the bruised area, if possible.
• Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed.
• Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight.
• Elevate the injured area.

If your skin isn’t broken, you don’t need a bandage. Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

Consult your doctor if you:

• Notice very painful swelling in the bruised area
• Are still experiencing pain three days after a seemingly minor injury
• Have frequent, large or painful bruises, particularly if your bruises appear on your trunk, back or face, or seem to develop for no known reasons
• Have easy bruising and a history of significant bleeding, such as during a surgical procedure
• Notice a lump (hematoma) form over the bruise
• Are experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums
• Suddenly begin bruising, but have no history of bruising
• Have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease.

Nov. 12, 2020

Show references

1. Muscle contusion (bruise). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00341. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
2. Approach to sports injuries. Merck Manual Professional Version. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/sports-injury/approach-to-sports-injuries. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
3. Buttaravoli P, et al. Contusion (bruise). In: Minor Emergencies. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.
4. Kraut EH. Easy bruising. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 14, 2017.

Products and Services

1. Book: Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies

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Muscle strains – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.

In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury. Ultrasound often can help distinguish among several different types of soft tissue injuries.

Treatment

For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:

• Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don’t avoid all physical activity.
• Ice. Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake for the first few days after the injury.
• Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don’t wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area.
• Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help reduce swelling.

Some doctors recommend avoiding over-the-counter pain medications that can increase your risk of bleeding — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — during the first 48 hours after a muscle strain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period.

A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. For some injuries, such as a torn tendon, surgery may be considered.

Preparing for your appointment

While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You may want to write a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of your symptoms
• Information about medical problems you’ve had
• Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings
• All the medications and dietary supplements you take
• Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• How exactly were you moving when the injury occurred?
• Did you hear or feel a pop or snap?
• When did it happen?
• What types of home treatments have you tried?
• Have you ever injured this part of your body before?
• If so, how did that injury occur?

Sept. 01, 2020

Show references

1. Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains/advanced. Accessed April 27, 2018.
2. Walls RM, et al., eds. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
3. Safran MR, et al. Strain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 27, 2018.
4. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries. Accessed April 27, 2018.

Muscle Bruises & Contusions – Treatment and Massage Tips

How to Treat Bruises

Most first degree bruises will require very little treatment, however second and third degree muscle bruises should be treated initially with the R.I.C.E.R. regimen. This involves the application of (R) rest, (I) ice, (C) compression, (E) elevation and obtaining a (R) referral for appropriate medical treatment.

• R: (rest) It is important that the bruised area be kept as still as possible. This will help to slow down blood flow to the injury and prevent any further damage.
• I: (ice) By far the most important part. The application of ice will have the greatest effect on reducing bleeding, swelling and pain. Apply ice as soon as possible after the bruise has occurred.
• C: (compression) Compression achieves two things. Firstly, it helps to reduce both the bleeding and swelling around the bruise, and secondly, it provides support for the bruised area. Use a wide, firm, elastic, compression bandage to cover the entire injury site.
• E: (elevation) Simply raise the bruised area above the level of the heart at all possible times. This will further help to reduce the bleeding and swelling.
• R: (referral) If the bruise is severe enough, it is important that you consult a professional physical therapist or a qualified sports doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They will be able to tell you the full extent of the injury.

Before moving onto the next stage of treatment, there are a few things that you must avoid during the first 72 hours. Be sure to avoid any form of heat on the bruise, including heat lamps, heat creams, spas, Jacuzzi’s and saunas. Avoid all movement and massage of the bruised area. Also avoid excessive alcohol. All these things will increase the bleeding, swelling and pain of your bruise.

Soft-Tissue Injuries | Johns Hopkins Medicine

What are soft-tissue injuries?

Many activities can lead to soft-tissue damage of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The result can be pain, swelling, bruising, and damage. Soft-tissue injuries are classified as the following:

• Contusions (bruises)

• Sprains

• Tendonitis

• Bursitis

• Stress injuries

• Strains

Athletes and nonathletes share many similar soft-tissue injuries.

What is a contusion?

A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft tissue often produced by a blunt force, such as a kick, fall, or blow. The result will be pain, swelling, and discoloration because of bleeding into the tissue. Treatment for contusions includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). More serious contusions may need to be examined by a doctor.

What is a sprain?

A sprain is a partial tear to a ligament and is often caused by a wrench or twist. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment for a sprain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). If the ligament is completely torn, surgical repair may be necessary.

Ankle Sprain

Ligaments are fibrous, elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize the bones. An ankle sprain is a common, painful injury that occurs when one or more of the ankle ligaments is stretched beyond the normal range of motion. Sprains can occur as a result of sudden twisting, turning or rolling movements.

Muscle Strain Injuries of the Hip

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon, a flexible band of tissue that connects muscle to bones. Tendonitis is often due to an overuse injury in the affected area from repetitive motion. Areas commonly affected include the elbow, hand, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. Often the tendonitis is named for the sport or movement that triggers the inflammation, such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, and jumper’s knee.

Treatment involves healing the inflamed area with rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Ice may be used in the acute phase of injury. Stretching and strengthening exercises can gradually be added to help avoid further injury. Steroid injections may be used for some types of tendonitis if chronic pain persists. If a tendon is completely torn, surgery may be required.

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between bones and muscles or tendons. Like tendonitis, bursitis is often caused by overuse injury, but can also be caused by direct trauma to a joint. Bursitis commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, ankle, and foot.

Treatment involves rest, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Ice may be used in the acute phase of injury to reduce swelling. Injections may be needed if pain and swelling persist. If the bursitis is caused by an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

What is a stress fracture?

A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone, commonly occurring in the weight-bearing bones of the lower extremities, including legs, hips, and feet. Stress fractures are most often caused by overuse and increase in physical activity. Initial treatment includes stopping the activity that caused the fracture, elevation, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Continued treatment includes rest, decreasing weight-bearing on the affected area, shoe inserts or braces, and possibly cast immobilization. If the crack in the bone progresses further to a complete break, surgery may be required.

What is a strain?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force, or stretching. The treatment for a strain is rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs, surgical repair may be needed.

Treatment of bruises

Everyone fell at least once, and as a result, a wound or bruise appeared on the body, changing color every day. The site of the injury began to swell and ache. It’s not hard to accidentally stumble, hit the corner of a table, drop a heavy object on your foot, fall off your bike, or slip on the ice in winter. There are a lot of options, you must agree. In this article we will tell you what a bruise is, how to provide first aid for various types of bruises, and what to do for a speedy recovery.

What is a contusion?

A bruise is damage to the skin, muscle tissue and, in the worst case, nerve endings.
In terms of severity, bruises are divided into four degrees:

1. Minor damage. The result is a slight abrasion or scratch. Such a bruise heals by itself within 2-3 days
2. Rupture of muscle tissue. As a result – edema and hematoma.
3. Damage to the skin, muscles and tendons, bone contusion.
4. This is the most pronounced degree of contusion, as a result of which the organs can no longer function normally. Better to see a doctor.

Symptoms of contusion

It is difficult to confuse the symptoms of a bruise with something else. Almost immediately there is pain in the damaged area, the formation of edema and hematoma. For bruises, it is characteristic that the pain decreases after a while, and then increases again due to increased edema. This distinguishes an injury from a fracture. With a fracture, the pain does not subside, movements are difficult and painful.
By the way, a hematoma may not appear immediately. The time of its appearance is associated with the depth of the hemorrhage. If you bruise the skin or subcutaneous tissue, the hematoma will appear almost immediately, and if the bruise is on the muscles or bones, you will see the hematoma after 2-3 days. A fresh hematoma has a red color, then it turns purple, blue, green, yellow. By the color of the hematoma, it is easy to recognize the age of the injury.

What to do if you hurt yourself. First aid

• Don’t panic at all.Try to move less, but rather sit or lie down.
• If the skin is damaged, it must be treated with disinfectants. They will not speed up wound healing, but they will kill germs that slow down tissue regeneration. For these purposes, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine digluconate, and an aqueous solution of furacilin are suitable. All these products are inexpensive, you can buy them in every pharmacy and always keep them in your medicine cabinet. Important: alcohol-containing products – iodine solution, brilliant green, pure alcohol – cannot be applied to an open wound, only along its edges.If applied, you will get burned.
• Then apply a cold compress. Make it out of ice or any food in the freezer. We recommend wrapping the ice in a thick cloth. This is important to avoid frostbite. You can also use a cloth soaked in cold water or a bottle of milk from the refrigerator. Thanks to the cold, the damage to the blood vessels will decrease, the bleeding will stop, the pain will not be so strong, the hematoma will not grow. Keep the cold for about 20 minutes, after an hour you can repeat the procedure.
• If the bruise is severe, it is best to see a doctor. Especially if you hurt your head.

What can not be done with a bruise?

• In no case should you warm the injury site. Warming up will worsen the condition. Start it only after 2 days.
• We advise you not to drink alcohol, it dilates blood vessels.
• Do not massage the bruised area.
• It is better to reduce activity and not play sports.

Since hematoma and pain are the most frequent consequences of a bruise, we will tell you how to deal with them with folk and pharmaceutical remedies.

Remedies for bruises

Popular and inexpensive drugstores that relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Buy them in all LekOptTorg pharmacies and on the website:

• Diclofenac. Used for pain relief in inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system.The tablets are contraindicated in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. With extreme caution, Diclofenes are used for diseases of the liver, kidneys, asthma, heart failure, as well as in old age. The maximum dose of 150 mg should not be used for more than 5-7 days. Check out the detailed instructions for receiving on our website in the product card.
• Ibuprofen. Helps relieve pain and reduce fever (fever). It is used for traumatic inflammation of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues.Should not be taken if pregnant or breastfeeding. Check out the detailed instructions for receiving on our website in the product card.
• Paracetamol. Unlike other drugs, it does not relieve inflammation, but only relieves pain. But more often than not, paracetamol is in every medicine cabinet. Tablets are not recommended to be taken on an empty stomach, as well as in liver and kidney failure. Detailed instructions for receiving can be found on our website in the product card.

Pharmacy remedies for bruises

These funds will help relieve swelling and hematoma dissolve. We advise you to keep these funds in your home medicine cabinet in case of emergency.

• Badyaga. Inexpensive gel made from natural ingredients. Helps relieve swelling, reduce bruising, improve blood circulation, and help skin regenerate and heal. In addition, the gel has an antibacterial effect. Badyagu forte is loved by summer residents and bought it in a country first-aid kit.The gel is applied simply – in a circular motion to the affected area. The product is absorbed into the skin and takes effect within 15–20 minutes. The gel should not be used for skin rashes, applied to wet wounds and fresh scratches.
• Balm “Rescuer”. Another inexpensive remedy for bruises and more. It contains extracts of calendula flowers, sea buckthorn oil, tea tree, rose and lavender. The balm restores the protective properties of the skin and has a positive effect on its regeneration.Reduces pain, relieves swelling and inflammation. It is important that this balm does not contain antibiotics and hormonal agents.
• “Troxevasin”. Reduces swelling, relieves inflammation, soothes the skin and relieves pain that often bothers with a bruise. It is recommended to use Troxevasin gel 2 times a day.

In order to find the right remedy that will help in a particular situation, we recommend that you consult a doctor.
In addition to over-the-counter remedies, try home remedies for bruises. The only thing is that it will take a little more time to prepare them.

Home remedies for bruises

• Salt baths.

Taking a bath will not only help you relax and recover, but also relieve pain and inflammation. So fill your bathtub with water at a comfortable temperature, add Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and enjoy for an hour.This bath can be taken 2 times a week.
We remind you that you can warm up a bruise after 2-3 days. For the first days, do not forget to apply cold to the injury site.

• Bitter wormwood herb juice.

Grind the grass until smooth and spread over the bruised area. Apply a gauze bandage on top. Once the dressing is dry, moisten it with the herb juice.

• Cabbage dressing

Cabbage is a healthy vegetable in every sense.Take a leaf from fresh cabbage, rinse it under the tap and apply it to the bruise. Apply a bandage on top. There will be no harm from cabbage, so you can repeat it every day.

• Raw potatoes for the treatment of bruises

Potatoes are easy to find in the store at any time of the year. Like cabbage, it is tasty and healthy. Grate the potato and apply to the injury.

This plant is grown at home. And for good reason. If you lubricate an aloe leaf with honey and apply it to the site of the injury, the swelling will begin to decrease.

Treatment of bruises and sprains at home with Solnyshko devices

Any injury is accompanied by pain, limited mobility and often a long recovery period. Some types of sprains or bruises can develop into dislocations, severe injuries, and fractures. This situation requires medical attention. A remedy for bruises and hematomas – the “Sun” Amnp-02 device, which provides anesthetic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, hypocoagulating, anti-edema effect, can help.

What is sprain, bruises

Contusion is a closed tissue injury, the severity of which depends on the force of the impact, and can manifest itself in different ways. Stretching does not lead to a violation of the integrity of the tissues; tendons, muscles and ligaments are usually affected.

Tensile

Stretching is accompanied by swelling, minor hemorrhage, limited mobility and pain at the site of injury. The danger of injury is that the pain gets worse over time. With a moderate degree, there is a rupture of several fibers of the ligaments, a complete rupture leads to a loss of joint performance.

With such damage, it is recommended to observe the home regime for 10 days. It is not necessary to give up physical activity, the main thing is not to load the damaged joint or tendons. If the pain persists for a few days, there is a chance of a ligament fracture or rupture. X-ray examination will help to establish the final diagnosis.

Stretching degrees for the ankle joint:

Contusion

Signs of bruising include swelling, redness and fever of the damaged area of ​​the skin, hemorrhage (hematomas), attacks of pain.With an increase in hematoma, pain may increase so much that it will be difficult to distinguish a bruise from a fracture.

Contusions rarely lead to severe anatomical tissue damage, only in the case of a severe impact. Symptoms may differ depending on the location of the lesion. For example, a bruised rib is accompanied by aggravated pain when breathing and coughing, high fever and bruising. Injury to the knee joint leads to limited physical activity.

Help for bruises should be provided as soon as possible after injury.The damaged skin should be treated with a disinfectant; the affected area should not be massaged. In case of bruises, it is not recommended to play sports, and alcohol intake should also be limited (since alcohol leads to vasodilation).

Children and people of retirement age are at risk, as they have weakened joints and muscle tissues. Treatment of bruises in the elderly can be a rather protracted process, so you cannot do without the help of specialized devices.

In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required, which is aimed at removing fluid from the joints, piercing the skin, and taking antibiotics.

Common causes of sprains or bruises

• Inaccurate handling of heavy objects.
• Getting into a traffic accident.
• Fall while descending stairs.
• Engaging in traumatic sports such as martial arts, volleyball, powerlifting, basketball, etc.d.
• Fall as a result of fainting.
• Living conditions – kinking, stumbling, walking on slippery surfaces, or wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Overweight, uncomfortable shoes, clothes, equipment.
• Osteoarthritis, infectious diseases, flat feet (these ailments can lead to changes in the structure of the joint).

Which parts of the body are most susceptible to injury?

Stretching mainly occurs in the knee joints or ankle when running or walking on uneven surfaces, ice.Often, injuries occur when playing game sports with sharp braking and acceleration. Poor warm-up, lack of regular exercise, fatigue, pregnancy increases the likelihood of stretching.

Sprains on the back of the thigh are common in dancers and active athletes. Trauma occurs as a result of overvoltage, lack of adequate rest.

The following parts of the body are mainly affected by bruises:

• Chest – often accompanied by damage to internal tissues, therefore, treatment of a chest contusion should begin immediately.
• Knee – If the injury is severe, hemarthrosis may develop.
• Nose – sometimes accompanied by displacement of the nasal septum.
• Shoulder – leads to a temporary limitation of mobility.
• Elbow – depending on the nature of the injury, arthrosis or arthritis may develop.

What are the types of injuries, their differences:

Degree of damage

Soft tissue injury is classified into four grades:

• The first – shallow abrasions, scratches.The pain syndrome completely disappears within a day.
• Second – the formation of hematoma, edema, rupture of muscle fibers. It is accompanied by a sharp pain, which subsequently calms down.
• Third – damage to muscle tissue, tendons, deformation of skin tissue.
• Fourth – the place of damage loses its efficiency, the changes are pronounced. In this case, urgent medical attention is required.

First aid for bruises and sprains

Medical care begins with diagnosis, bruises and sprains are easily identified by visual inspection.The doctor probes the damaged area, determines the functionality of the joints and muscles. In case of contusion of internal organs, the patient may be prescribed an MRI, ultrasound examination, radiography. The duration of treatment largely depends on the timely provision of first aid.

First aid for sprains

Immediately after the injury, the first signs of stretching appear – these are pain and swelling (they appear after 2-3 hours). Restricting movement of the affected area is required, as activity can exacerbate the injury.First aid will prevent the development of the disease, avoid undesirable consequences, therefore it is important to perform the following actions:

• Apply elastic bandage (this will limit the movement of the joint).
• Do not heat damaged skin for 48 hours.
• Apply cold to the stretch site (to reduce swelling).
• Raise the damaged area in case of bruising.

First aid for bruises

First aid is provided in order to eliminate puffiness, pain syndrome and prevent the development of hematoma.To understand how to quickly cure a bruise, it is necessary to study the features of first aid:

• Applying ice – cold has a preventive effect on hematoma. It is recommended to apply ice every 3 hours for 10 minutes.
• Applying a bandage.
• Elevated position of the injured part of the body.
• Do not rub the bruise for 2 days.
• In case of severe throbbing pain, consult a doctor, as damage to internal organs is possible.

In case of injury to the hand, the affected area is wrapped with a cotton cloth; if the finger is injured, ice cubes are applied.

Treatment of sprains and bruises with the “Sun” apparatus

For the treatment of sprains of the knee joint, ankle and other parts of the body, the AMnp-02 “Solnyshko” apparatus is suitable. It has versatile medicinal properties. AMnp-02 uses the method of low-frequency magnetotherapy, which is easily tolerated and can be used for the elderly and children over the age of 3 years.

The device is compact and mobile, practically has no contraindications. The device is indicated not only for bruises and sprains, but also for arthritis, arthrosis of large joints, lymphostasis (formed when bones are fractured), osteochondrosis of the spine. Ultraviolet irradiators have, among other things, a bactericidal effect, which helps in the treatment of skin diseases associated with a bruise.

The device is sold together with a fixation belt, cable and power supply unit, magnetic field indicator.Designed to work for 8-10 years, weighs less than 1 kg, so it is easy to carry.

90,000 important rules, how to help at home

What is a bruise

Contusions are the most common type of domestic trauma affecting children, athletes, and people involved in hard physical labor. It is damage to internal organs and tissues without significant disruption of their structure, abrasions are possible. In case of bruises, the dermis and the vessels located under it are most vulnerable, which leads to the formation of hematomas and edema.A severe bruise is a serious hazard, as internal organs can be injured.

To prevent the development of necrotic processes, it is important to be able to competently provide first aid for bruises of various origins.

Signs of contusion

The main signs of a bruise are:

• soreness in the damaged area;
• hemorrhage due to damage to capillary vessels;
• formation of hematoma and edema.

Depending on the site of the injury, cyanosis and swelling can appear immediately, as occurs in the case of damage to the subcutaneous tissue and the upper layers of the skin. In the case of bruises of deeper tissues, the hematoma may appear after several hours or even days. The accompanying injury, edema, reduces the mobility of the injured organ, creating discomfort when moving.

The victim experiences the most severe pain immediately after a soft tissue injury, and after a couple of hours it subsides.Soreness increases with pressure. The swelling can increase over several hours, sometimes days.

Degree of contusion

Bruises vary in severity:

• first – minor injury that does not require treatment;
• second – contusion of muscle tissue, accompanied by severe pain, the formation of edema and hematomas;
• third – as a result of a bruise, tendons can be damaged;
• fourth – contusion of internal organs with severe swelling and painful sensations.

A severe bruise may be accompanied by a closed fracture, therefore, in this case, it is especially important to immediately consult a doctor for a thorough diagnosis and treatment.

Difference between fracture and contusion

Symptoms of a bruise and a closed fracture are very similar to each other: severe pain, swelling, limitation of the mobility of the injured organ. But if in the case of a bruise the pain subsides within 2-3 hours, then with a fracture this does not happen, on the contrary, the pain may even increase somewhat.

Therefore, in case of suspicion of a fracture, it is better to contact a medical facility to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

The use of folk remedies

Competent first aid for injury, provided in a timely manner, greatly facilitates the condition of the victim, accelerates the healing process, and reduces the risk of possible complications.

In case of injury, it is advisable to apply cold to the injured area, for example, a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer wrapped in a clean cloth.Ice can be kept for up to 40 minutes, avoiding hypothermia, then take a break for 20 minutes. Repeat several times for 4-5 hours. This event allows you to relieve puffiness and prevents the development of the inflammatory process. If the victim has severe pain, you can give him pain reliever.

It is not recommended to resort to folk remedies such as raw potatoes, oil dressing and others. If the bruise is accompanied by abrasions and scratches, which is often found in children, then in this case, the likelihood of infection is high.

PAUL HARTMANN has developed special products that can be used as first aid for bruises.

First, you should treat your hands with Sterillum antiseptic. Then you need to clean the area around the abrasion or the site of the injury. On a small abrasion, you can apply a bandage with Peruvian Branolind N balm and leave it in place of the abrasion for up to three days without dressing.

For better fixation of the bandage, use the Peha-Haft self-fixing bandage.It is securely attached by simply pressing one layer to another, does not stick to hair and skin, is economical (1.5–2 turns are enough for secure fastening), and is available in different colors.

For bruises with abrasions, you can use the “Cosmopor Antibacterial” bandages. The soft pad well absorbs the discharge from the abrasion, and the silver-containing layer reliably protects the site of the injury from infection. Cosmos Kids plasters with different patterns are produced for children.

For people with sensitive skin, special plasters of the Omni series have been developed.Their adhesive surface is made of rubber glue, and the plaster itself is made of non-woven hypoallergenic material or rayon.

In case of contusion with sprains, use cotton Pütterbint compression bandage to improve blood circulation and relieve swelling.

First aid for bruises

To speed up the resorption of the hematoma, you will need a bandage with a special ointment. The medical compress is fixed with a special bandage.Manufacturers produce dressings that are economical and comfortable to use. Self-locking bandages have a number of advantages:

• crepe weave and micro-dot impregnation with a special adhesive ensure precise and reliable fixation of the dressing;
• the initially high cost pays off with an economical expense – two turns of the bandage are enough to fix it;
• 85% elongation provides freedom of movement and prevents the bandage from slipping;
• aesthetics.The special bandage is available in different colors, no fringe is formed around the edge.

If the bruise is accompanied by capillary bleeding, the procedure includes antiseptic treatment and application of a bandage. The modern approach is to use an atraumatic ointment bandage as first aid for bruises. The sequence of actions is as follows – initially, the wound must be treated with an antiseptic and dried. Then apply an atraumatic dressing, which has a number of advantages:

• good air exchange due to the cellular structure;
• antiseptic impregnation, accelerating healing;
• hydrophobic base with ointment, thanks to which the dressing does not stick to the wound surface and relieves pain;
• the effect of the ointment dressing for 3 days, which reduces the number of dressings;
• possibility of application for the treatment of children.

If the bruise is accompanied by abrasions, it is fraught with tissue infection and inflammation. Even small damage should be treated with an antiseptic. To do this, you can use an antibacterial ointment dressing. The advantages of such a dressing:

• impregnation acts on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria;
• wound edges are protected, retain elasticity;
• dressings can be done once a week.

First aid for bruises of various localization

Arms

First aid for bruises of an arm or leg is to apply a tight bandage. Sometimes, with bruised limbs, there may be a limitation of joint mobility. In this case, cold is applied, a bandage is applied and bed rest is provided.

Legs

First aid for bruises of the foot should include the use of a cold compress or ice and fixation with an elastic bandage.Bandaging must be carried out evenly and tightly, but without disturbing blood circulation. Pain medication can be taken if the pain is very severe. The use of cold compresses is recommended on the first day, after which you can go to warm baths or wraps to reduce pain and speed up the resorption of the lesion. To disinfect abrasions and scratches, it is necessary to treat with chlorhexidine and apply a sterile dressing.

Eyes

In case of eye injuries, the following measures should be taken:

• apply cold for a short time (about 20 minutes), moisten a handkerchief or cotton wool in water;

• provide the patient with complete rest, do not load the injured eye, do not make head turns;

• bandage the eye with a sterile bandage;

• seek help from a qualified ophthalmologist.

Head

As a result of a head injury, a complication can develop – a concussion. Its main symptoms are severe headache, muscle weakness, nausea and dizziness. This condition requires bed rest and urgent medical attention.

Joints

If a joint is injured in the elbow, ankle or knee, it is worth applying ice to the affected area, fixing the joint in an elevated position and limiting its mobility with a pressure bandage.It is impossible to carry out flexion-extension movements, massage the site of injury and carry out warming measures.

First aid for severe bruises is carried out in the same way as for minor injuries: local exposure to cold is applied, a tight bandage is applied at the site of injury, and rest is provided. After these procedures, it is advisable to take the victim to a medical facility to receive first aid for bruises.

The first medical aid for bruises includes the diagnosis and treatment of the victim, preventive measures and medical rehabilitation, which is carried out by qualified medical personnel.

An important condition for the treatment of injuries is the timely application of measures that will reduce local manifestations (edema, pain, inflammation). Further, depending on the injury and well-being, the patient is prescribed medication with the appointment:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – to relieve fever, pain, swelling, inflammation;

• medicines containing heparin – for resorption of bruises;

• vasodilating ointments;

• remedies for pain in the form of capsules or tablets – for severe injuries in the first days of their receipt;

• enzyme drugs – for resorption of hemorrhagic infiltration, reduction of edema, restoration of joint function.

In case of skin exfoliation, multiple injuries, joint injuries, internal injuries, it is important to immediately transport the victim to the nearest medical facility, and in the absence of spontaneous breathing and cardiac activity, perform artificial ventilation of the lungs and chest compressions with an immediate call of the ambulance team.

Correctly treating injuries of children

Children are often injured due to high activity.Roller skating, cycling and swings, even simple outdoor games are accompanied by falls and, as a result, injuries, sprains, bruises and abrasions. To provide first aid in case of a bruise, it is advisable to keep several proven means and dressings in the first-aid kit.

Minor injuries bother for several minutes, and then the child continues to actively have fun. In order for the infection to get into an abrasion on a bruised knee or elbow not to cause inflammation, proper treatment is required.A special self-fixing bandage will protect damage from additional mechanical stress and the penetration of pathogens.

If the bruise is accompanied by an abrasion, an antibacterial sterile dressing with an adhesive base or a bright plaster with pictures will do. The central area of ​​the dressing and plaster is impregnated with special compounds that promote rapid healing and absorption of oozing fluid from the wound surface.

For very painful bruises, first aid is provided with a hydrocolloid patch.It will relieve pain and promote wound healing by creating an optimal environment. The material absorbs the discharge from the bruised wound and protects against infections. After dressing, you can go to a medical facility.

General advice on filling the first aid kit

In order for first aid for severe injury to be effective, it is necessary to have several effective medical devices and tools on hand. The first step is to quickly get rid of puffiness, normalize blood and lymph flow.For this, there are compression elastic bandages that do not cause skin irritation. Manufacturers produce products with a cooling effect. This option is much safer than applying ice, since it does not cause frostbite of the tissues and at the same time provides cooling of the bruised area for 2 hours.

In addition to an elastic bandage, it is advisable to have in the first-aid kit:

• Antiseptic liquid or spray;
• hemostatic agent;
• ointments for bruises and sprains;
• atraumatic ointment dressings;
• sterile gauze or self-adhesive dressings;
• self-fixing bandage.

This list is especially relevant for families with children, since babies are often injured. The competent use of special tools will reduce pain and speed up recovery. If the bruise is accompanied by a serious hematoma, deep wound and dangerous injuries, you should see a doctor right away. With minor abrasions and bruises, you can cope on your own.

90,000 Help with bruises and bruises on the body

Injuries

Perhaps, bruises are one of the most common types of domestic or sports injuries.Sometimes a minor collision and push, fall, collision or impact is enough for a painful bruise and swelling to develop on an arm or leg. And although in everyday life, a bruise is not considered a serious injury, it can bring significant inconvenience and have quite serious health consequences. That is why it is so important to know what needs to be done in the first hours after the injury.

article 1

Symptoms and effects of bruises

The most common symptoms of a bruise are pain, swelling, and bruising.The intensity of their manifestation depends on the degree of soft tissue damage as a result of trauma. They range from minor scratches to bruising and swelling that can cover a large area of ​​a limb, such as the thigh, lower leg, or forearm.

A bruise – or more correctly, a hematoma – is an accumulation of blood at the site of injury, caused by damage to the blood vessels, which manifests itself 2-3 days after the injury. Over time, the bruise changes color from blue to black or yellow, this is due to the processes of decay of blood elements.Swelling or swelling at the site of injury occurs due to hemorrhage and the development of an inflammatory reaction. The stronger the hematoma and swelling, the more severe the pain is. This is due to stretching of soft tissues and compression of nerve endings.

First aid for bruises

Timely and correct first aid measures taken in the first 24 hours after an injury will help you recover faster, manage pain, and reduce the effects of the injury.

What to do in case of injury ^[1] :

• assess the condition, make sure that there are no serious injuries – dislocations or fractures of the limbs;

• ensure rest, since physical exertion on the injured arm or leg can aggravate the situation;

• cool the bruised area with ice or a cold compress – this will help reduce pain, reduce swelling, and prevent bruising;

• if necessary, you can apply a compression – squeezing – bandage;

• if the injury is extensive and accompanied by significant swelling, and the site of the injury is located on the arm or leg, then to facilitate the outflow of blood and lymph from the affected area, it is worth raising the limb above the level of the head during rest;

• use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of gels, ointments, or creams to reduce pain and swelling.

A bruise can have serious health consequences, therefore, regardless of the severity of the injury, you should seek the advice of a doctor.

article 2

How to choose an effective cream for bruises and bruises?

As a local non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, you can choose a European-made drug – Aertal® cream.It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, suppresses the development of edema and erythema. It is the only aceclofenac-based product in the form of a cream. It has established clinical efficacy with good tolerability.

The active ingredient – aceclofenac – is in the cream in the form of tiny particles. Once applied, it is absorbed, rapidly reaching saturation. The active substance accumulates in the absorption zone. This contributes to an increase in anti-inflammatory activity.Aceclofenac enters the systemic circulation in small amounts, therefore the risk of side effects of Aertal® cream, including on the gastrointestinal tract, is minimized.

To prevent the development of edema, relieve pain and reduce bruising, apply the cream with rubbing movements to the site of the injury 3 times a day.

Recovery from injury

If the bruise is strong enough and is accompanied by large swelling and hematoma, the restoration of the function of the injured limb must be approached with caution.Begin by gently stretching the limb to restore muscle elasticity. Gradually, the intensity of the exercise can be increased until the volume and strength of movement are fully restored.