Fact Checked
Buttock contusion is bleeding in the muscles due to direct impact to the area caused by falling or hit by a hard object such as a hard ball. Generally, this condition is common in people playing high jumping, sliding in baseball, hockey, ice skating, pole vaulting, football and gymnastics. Furthermore, old people taking coagulation drugs such as Coumadin are susceptible to this condition.
Causes of buttock contusion
- Slipping on ice
- Buttock injury
- Coagulopathy
- Spinal fracture
- Bleeding disorders
- Mongolian spot
- Blunt trauma
- Anticoagulation medications
- Child abuse
Symptoms
- At first, tenderness of the area when sitting down or when it is touched
- Bruising
- Pain in the buttock
- Pain with movement of thigh against resistance
- A hard lump under the skin with discoloration from red-blue and black and then changes to green and yellow which can be a sign of hematoma.
- Lastly, stiffness with movement of the thigh in forward direction caused by stretching of the gluteus muscles.
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest for at least 48 hours. Generally, avoid performing activities that can further irritate and increase pressure on the soft tissue to prevent inflammation.
- Apply cold compress on the area within 24-48 hours after hematoma starts to develop. Wrap the ice pack in a towel before placing to the area for 15-20 minutes to prevent damage on the tissue. Another alternative placing a melting ice on a towel and then place it on the area for 10 minutes, 4-8 times every day. It constricts the blood vessels and lessens the swelling and build up of blood under the skin. In addition, it also lessens the metabolism of local tissue which lessens the development of hypoxia which is damage to the cell caused by a reduced supply of oxygen in the area.
- After 24-48 hours apply warm compress on the area to increase flow of blood and for fast healing of the condition. It lessens the pain and the inflammation.
- Massage the affected area in circular movement or long strokes for proper flow of blood and increase venous return. Generally, massaging breaks down superficial clots making them easier to be dissolved. Avoid massage if there is pain in the area.
- Take a relaxing warm bath to increase flow of blood in the area, to lessen the pain and eliminate formation of blood clots.
Additional measures
- Take pain medications to lessen the pain and the inflammations.
- Maintain hydration by drinking at least 1.5 -2 liters of water every day. Generally, water flushes out toxins in the body
- Start performing some strengthening and stretching exercises with the help of the physical therapist to restore full range of movement of the glute muscles.
- Pineapples which has bromelain and rich in anti-inflammatory properties to lessen pain and for fast healing of the condition. Eat or drink pineapple juice for fast healing of the bruise. In addition, another alternative is taking bromelain supplement 250-500 milligrams between meals.
More Information
The details posted on this page on a buttock contusion is for learning purposes only. To learn to properly manage the injury, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-a-contusion
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise/