Fact Checked
Bone bruise is also known as bone contusions or sometimes bone swelling. The injury is similar to tissue bruises and fractures. The bruises can be due to injury or blunt trauma caused by forceful impact when playing sports and accidents. It can cause severe pain that can last for weeks or even months.
Causes
- Sports bruises happen when the body comes in direct contact with hard surfaces, such as falling, bumping into the equipment of another player. Players should wear protective gear such as a helmet and shin guards in order to help lessen the impact on the bones.
- Impacts caused by vehicular accidents, falling and slipping can result to a bone bruise.
- Twisting accidents and sprains on the joints can cause a bruise bone, usually on the ankles and knees.
Symptoms
- A common symptom of bone bruise is swelling.
- There is pain and stiffness after the injury and becomes severe after a day.
Treatment
- Stop running if there is a bruise. Cool down with a brisk walk going home or another way is to perform a 5-minute walk on the treadmill. Avoid running when there is pain in order to prevent making the condition worse.
- Immediately apply an ice pack or ice wrapped in a thin cloth over the knee. If ice is not available, a bag of frozen vegetable can be placed on the affected knee at least 20 minutes every day as needed.
- Elevate the affected knee on a soft chai, and place a pillow under the knee in order to help prevent hyperextension and provide cushion. Keep the knee above the level of the heart in order to help lessen any swelling.
- Apply an elastic compression wrap if the affected knee is swollen. Start wrapping beneath the knee going upwards in a diagonal motion. Avoid wrapping it too tight. It should be supportive and snug in order to help increase blood circulation in the area.
- Take 2-3 days of rest from the running routine for fast healing of the condition.
- Massage the area using ice by rubbing it on the affected area at least 10 minutes every day. Wrap the ice cubes in a cloth or bag before applying on the affected area. Avoid applying the ice directly on the skin in order to prevent frostbite.
- Wear a knee brace in order to help support and protect the bone found near the joint from becoming worse. The braces help to lessen pain and strengthen the affected area.
- Take the prescribed anti-inflammatory medications in order to help lessen severe inflammation and pain such as ibuprofen.
Seek medical help immediately if swelling and pain cannot be minimized within a week.
Tip
Avoid running on hard surfaces in order to help prevent injuries on the knees for developing.