The most common contusion treatment includes elevating the affected part of the body, applying ice, wrapping it in an elastic wrap, and getting plenty of rest. Depending on how bad the problem is, contusion treatment may require pain medication. It may also be helpful to use a sling or crutches to help rest a leg or arm that has been injured.
A contusion is an injury to the muscle in a person's body. Many times, both the muscle and the sheath that surrounds it are torn, which leads to bleeding inside the body and bruising visible outside of it. This type of contusion most frequently only requires ice to reduce the swelling, elevation, compression, and a little bit of rest. The injury usually heals in a couple of days, and it usually only hurts when it is touched.
More serious contusions occur when the muscle is torn but the wrapping around the muscle is not. When this happens, there is no place for the blood to go, so it becomes trapped inside of the wrapping. This means the injury will most likely heal more slowly and may require medical attention. These types of injuries often can affect a person's ability to move the injured limb and may result in damage to the nerves.
A contusion treatment often includes rest. This means that the injured limb should be used as little as possible until it heals. Most doctors recommend that patients do not do anything that causes pain near the injury. Crutches and slings may be a helpful contusion treatment if extended rest is needed.
Applying ice to a contusion will assist in reducing the flow of blood under the skin. There is usually less bruising if the ice is applied immediately after the injury is suffered. The ice will also reduce any associated swelling. Most medical professionals recommend that the ice be applied for only 15 to 20 minutes at a time. It can usually be reapplied every one to two hours, and it should be wrapped in a towel so that it does not result in ice burn for the person using it.
Elastic wraps may be placed on the injured limb after the person is done using the ice. These wraps will compress the injury, reducing the swelling and further reducing the blood flow under the skin. Elevation as a contusion treatment will also help keep the swelling down around the hurt area of the body.
