A deep bruise, also known as a contusion, is an injury that involves damage to the underlying tissues, such as muscles or even bone. It's more severe than a superficial bruise and often results in significant pain and swelling.
Understanding Deep Bruises
Deep bruises differ from superficial bruises in their extent and location of damage. While a superficial bruise affects only the skin's surface, resulting in discoloration, a deep bruise penetrates deeper, affecting muscles and sometimes even bone.
- Muscle Contusions: These are common in sports injuries and involve damage to the muscle tissue. Severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage. [Source: https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise/]
- Bone Bruises (Bone Contusions): These are less severe than fractures but involve damage to the bone itself, with blood and fluid accumulating in and around the injured area. A blunt-force impact, like a fall, might cause this. [Source: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=134&contentid=514; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bone-bruise-bone-contusion; https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/understanding-bone-bruise-bone-contusion]
Symptoms of a Deep Bruise:
- Intense Pain: Typically more painful than a superficial bruise. [Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324266; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324266]
- Significant Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the injured area.
- Discoloration: Red, blue, or black discoloration, sometimes more extensive than a surface bruise. [Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324266]
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the affected area.
Treatment:
Treatment depends on the severity of the bruise. Rest, ice (RICE method), and elevation are often recommended for minor deep bruises. Pain relievers might also be necessary. More severe cases may require medical intervention, such as splinting or casting. [Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/bone-bruise-bone-contusion; https://www.healthline.com/health/bone-bruise]
