Contusions

Description

A contusion is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues that is usually caused by a direct blow that results in the bruising of the skin overlying the injured tissues. Contusions cause rupture and bleeding of the small capillaries and blood vessels that allow blood to infiltrate muscles, tendons, nerves, or other soft tissues.

Common signs and symptoms

• Swelling and often a hard lump in the injured area, either superficial or deep

• Pain and tenderness over the area of the contusion

• Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted over the contusion

• Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic “black and blue” bruise

Causes

Contusions are usually the result of a direct blow, often by a blunt object.

Factors that increase risk

• Contact sports, especially football, boxing, ice hockey, soccer, field hockey, martial arts, basketball, and baseball

• Sports that make falling from a height likely, such as high jumping, pole vaulting, skating, or gymnastics

• Any bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, or taking medications that affect clotting, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, or warfarin (Coumadin)

• Inadequate protection of exposed areas during contact sports

Preventive measures

• Maintain appropriate conditioning that includes joint and muscle flexibility, strength and endurance, and coordination.

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