Bruise - causes and signs of bruise

Types of disease

1. Depending on the location of the injury, there are bruises:

• hand;
• finger;
• elbow;
• shoulder;
• forearm;
• brain;
• head;
• back;
• chest;
• abdominal cavity;
• coccyx;
• knee;
• hip;
• lower leg;
• foot.

• 1 degree - minor bruise - manifests itself in scratches and abrasions, practically painless; heals within a few days without care;
• 2 degree - quite painful bruise, in which muscle tissue is damaged, accompanied by hematomas and swelling;
• 3 degree - ligaments and tendons are damaged;
• 4 degree - severe injury that can threaten health, the functioning of damaged organs can be disrupted.

Causes

A bruise can occur as a result of falling on a flat surface from a small height or when struck by a blunt object. Gross anatomical damage to organs or tissues does not occur. Bruises also occur with closed bone fractures that occur as a result of a direct blow.

Symptoms of a bruise

A bruise is manifested by sharp pain at the site of injury, redness and swelling. With a minor bruise, the pain disappears after a few minutes, a hematoma forms at the site of injury (due to the rupture of small capillaries). The size of the hematoma does not always depend on the severity of the bruise. The permeability of the capillaries and the site of the injury have an effect. With increased permeability of the capillaries, even with a minor bruise or careless touch, a significant hematoma can occur. Sometimes it happens that with a severe bruise, an external hematoma may not occur, but significant internal bleeding is possible.

The pain syndrome is persistent after a severe bruise. Over time, its nature can change: at first sharp, then aching. If the pain after a bruise persists for a long time, you should definitely seek medical help. This may indicate that internal structures are damaged (ligament rupture, fracture, concussion, internal organ contusion with hemorrhage into it, etc.). Often, remote pain that occurs after a bruise is associated with the formation of a hematoma, which compresses the nerve endings. It intensifies when touching the damaged part of the body.

With bruises of various parts of the body, a variety of symptoms can occur. With a bruise of a joint, its pronounced swelling occurs. As a result of a head bruise, a severe headache occurs. If, with a head bruise, the patient loses consciousness, even briefly, or is unable to remember the moment of injury itself, this may indicate a concussion. In this case, the victim definitely needs medical intervention and diagnostic examinations for the presence of an intracranial hematoma.

If there is a contusion of the abdominal cavity or chest, the symptoms can be very formidable. For example, symptoms such as weakened breathing, clouding of consciousness, the presence of blood in the urine, increasing pain and other increasing symptoms are a reason to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostics

A contusion is diagnosed based on the anamnesis (the presence of an injury), as well as characteristic symptoms - swelling, pain, changes in skin color. To avoid complications, with any type of injury, you need to seek medical help.

After a contusion, a traumatologist must determine the condition of nearby organs, check the integrity of bones and joints. X-ray of the abdominal cavity and general fluoroscopy of the abdominal organs will help with this.

Treatment of bruises

First aid for bruises consists of examining the damaged area. If a limb is damaged, its functions (extension, flexion and other movements) must be checked. If there are only signs of a bruise, and not more significant damage, cold should be applied to the injured area. As a result of this procedure, the vessels of the microcirculatory bed spasm and internal bleeding stops.

It is better not to use painkillers, as this can only worsen the condition of the victim. But if you are sure that the internal organs are not damaged, you can give one of the painkillers. Never use aspirin for bruises - it will only increase bleeding.

If there is a head injury and the person has lost consciousness, a severe chest, lower back or abdominal injury, in addition to applying cold, it is necessary to rest, immobilize the injury as much as possible and take the patient to the emergency room. Cold is effective only for half an hour. 2-3 days after the injury, the damaged area needs gentle heat. A warm compress during this period will ensure blood flow to the injured area, as a result of which the resorption of the hematoma is accelerated without the possible risk of renewed bleeding.

In case of limb injury, a pressure bandage is applied to the affected area. In case of extensive limb injury, it is necessary to conduct differential diagnostics with dislocations and fractures. In such cases, a transport splint is applied, and the victim is hospitalized. After the hemorrhage has resolved, therapeutic exercises and massage are prescribed to prevent the possibility of contractures. This is especially important for bruises of large joints or periarticular areas. In the case of hemarthrosis, a puncture is performed and the blood is removed.

Inpatient treatment is indicated for bruises of significant force, as well as bruises of the head, chest, lower back and abdomen. In severe cases, surgical treatment is performed.

Prevention

To avoid bruises, adhere to the following principles:

• wear only sturdy shoes outside;
• watch your step carefully;
• take your time;
• follow safety precautions at work.