Contusions

TL;DR

Bruises resulting from trauma causing bleeding under the skin.

What are Contusions?

Contusions, commonly known as bruises, are injuries to the soft tissue resulting from a direct blow or impact that causes blood vessels under the skin to rupture without breaking the skin. This leads to discoloration, swelling, and pain in the affected area.

The severity of a contusion can vary from mild, causing minor discoloration and tenderness, to severe, resulting in significant swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected muscle or joint. Contusions are often seen in sports injuries, falls, or direct trauma from accidents.

First aid for contusions involves the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the injured area helps prevent further damage, while applying ice packs (wrapped in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin) for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours can reduce swelling and pain. Compression with an elastic bandage can help limit swelling, but it should not be too tight to cut off circulation. Elevating the injured area above the level of the heart helps reduce swelling.

Pain relief can be provided with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important to monitor the injury for signs of more serious damage, such as increased pain, numbness, or inability to move the affected area, which may require medical evaluation.

First Aid for Contusions

• Apply Ice: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• Elevate: Keep the affected area elevated to minimize swelling.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activities that may worsen the injury.

Takeaway to remember

Contusions, or bruises, are caused by blunt force trauma that damages small blood vessels under the skin, resulting in discoloration and swelling.

Reference

• First Aid eBook