A bone bruise is a traumatic injury to a bone, less severe than a fracture. It involves a buildup of blood and fluid within and around the injured bone tissue.
Understanding Bone Bruises
Bone bruises occur when an impact injures the bone. Unlike a fracture which is a break in the bone, a bone bruise is an injury to the bone and surrounding tissues that doesn’t cause a break.
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Traumatic Injury |
| Severity | Less severe than a bone fracture |
| Mechanism | Results from an impact causing injury to the bone and surrounding tissues |
| Primary Effect | Blood and fluid accumulate in and around the bone tissue |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, and discoloration (change in color) of the affected area. |
How Bone Bruises Happen:
- Direct Impact: Falls, car accidents or sports injuries are common causes.
- Twisting Injuries: Can strain the bone and surrounding tissue.
- Repetitive Stress: Constant small impacts may lead to bone bruising over time.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
- Pain: Often localized at the point of injury.
- Swelling: Around the bruised area.
- Discoloration: May appear as a bruise in the skin over the bone.
- Imaging: X-rays can rule out fractures, but an MRI may be needed to visualize a bone bruise.
Treatment and Recovery
- Rest: Avoiding activities that cause pain.
- Ice: Reduces swelling and pain.
- Elevation: Elevating the injured part can reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter or prescribed medication for pain relief.
- Physical Therapy: After initial healing to restore strength and mobility.
Bone bruises typically heal within a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual's overall health.
