Yes, bone bruises hurt. While less severe than a fracture, they cause noticeable pain and discomfort.
Understanding Bone Bruise Pain
A bone bruise, also known as a bone contusion, is an injury where the bone tissue is damaged, but not broken. The pain experienced differs from a typical soft tissue bruise. As noted in several sources like Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bone-bruise-bone-contusion) and WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-bone-bruise), the pain is often described as:
- A dull, throbbing ache, originating from deep within the body. This contrasts with the sharp or tender pain of a surface bruise.
- More severe and lasting longer than pain from soft tissue injuries, as highlighted by Cedars-Sinai (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html).
- Tenderness and pain in the affected area, often worsened by touch. This is consistent across multiple sources, including the University of Rochester Medical Center (https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=514).
The intensity of pain can vary depending on the severity of the bruise and the location of the injury. While a bone bruise itself isn't a fracture, the associated pain and swelling can significantly impact mobility and daily activities.
Additional Symptoms
Besides pain, bone bruises can also present with:
- Swelling
- A hard lump at the injury site
- Difficulty using the affected joint (especially in cases involving a knee)
It's crucial to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment, as the pain and other symptoms can be indicative of more serious injuries.
