What are the signs of a bruise? Bruise as a result of physical impact - treatment, prevention, first aid. When you need help

They say: “If I knew where to fall, I would spread straws.” However, no one is destined to know this, so sometimes it happens that people fall and hurt themselves. Either something falls on them, or they bump into something. Children get bruises especially often, and it is important to know how to speedy deliverance from symptoms of injury. But these symptoms are not rosy - pain, bruises and swelling, and they greatly interfere with normal life.

A bruise is an injury to body tissue that does not damage the skin.. However, such an injury causes damage soft fabrics bodies and small blood vessels, which can lead to the formation of extensive hematomas. This article will not cover serious cases where emergency medical care or surgical intervention is required. It's about about small domestic injuries that can be dealt with at home.

Symptoms of bruises

So, how to determine that an injured person has not a fracture or wound, but an ordinary bruise? When a person is bruised, a person feels pain, swelling appears, and after a while (depending on the force of the blow), a bruise occurs. In children and young and middle-aged people, the strength and size of the bruise can be judged by the bruise, but in an elderly person this is more difficult to determine, since the processes in the subcutaneous layer occur a little differently. The method of treatment depends on how long the bruise is.

First aid for bruises

As soon as something unexpected happens and a person is injured, you must immediately apply something cold to the injured area: ice, a heating pad with cold water or at least a cold compress. If your arm or leg is bruised, it would be good to apply a tight bandage. Cold compress change as it warms up, again soaking the fabric in cold water. This technique slightly anesthetizes, relieves swelling and localizes the bruise, preventing it from spreading wider.

After 2-3 days, treatment proceeds as follows: a warm compress or a warm heating pad is applied to the injured area. You can also take a warm bath or go to UHF therapy. This will help to quickly reduce the area of ​​hemorrhage, and then it will completely resolve.

After the pain has completely passed, you can do a massage or self-massage on the bruised area, especially if it was a bruised limb and the mobility of the joints is somewhat limited. Massage will help you avoid negative consequences from injury and fully recover motor function limbs.

Pharmacy medications for bruises

Besides, you can use ointments and gels with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), applying them to the site of injury according to the instructions. The ointment should contain substances such as diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen and ketoprofen. These ointments should be applied to the site of injury at least 4 times a day, over the entire area of ​​the affected skin. If a bruise causes wounds or large abrasions, there is no need to apply NSAID ointment to these areas. For minor bruises, the amount of product may be small, but for serious bruises, with large swelling, more will be needed, because swelling makes it difficult for the product to penetrate the skin. In this case, the ointment or gel can be applied more often than 4 times a day - at the patient’s discretion.

For severe pain, analgesics or NSAIDs are prescribed orally, in 2-3 doses: diclofenac potassium, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen. However, in case of persistent severe pain, the intervention of a specialist is necessary, and self-medication is inappropriate here. After all, even the simplest injury can lead to serious consequences, if left untreated or treated incorrectly.

Treatment of bruises with folk remedies

Our ancestors - warriors and hard workers, knew how to heal themselves and loved ones with their folk remedies. Let’s try to turn to their wisdom and help ourselves with trauma. Man is connected with nature by invisible threads, and it is natural remedies sometimes they turn out to be very effective. So, Let's list the methods of treating a bruise in order:

• Linen plaster for bruises. We will need a clean cloth made of natural linen. It needs to be crushed into a very fine powder. Then mix this powder with vegetable oil(1 part powder and 4 parts oil). Apply the mixture to the bruise and cover it with cling film or cellophane film. After an hour, wash off the product and carefully wipe dry. If they do discomfort– can be removed earlier.
• If you have viper fat in your house, know that it is excellent remedy from bruises. It just needs to be rubbed into the injury site with gentle movements. This remedy contains both pain relief and treatment.

• A decoction of arnica flowers is taken internally for bruises.. You can also make compresses from arnica infusion. This will relieve pain, inflammation and reduce bruising. Infusion recipe: pour 1 teaspoon of arnica flowers with 1 glass of boiling water and leave in a closed container for 2 hours, then strain. Drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. Using the same recipe, you can make an infusion of arnica roots - it will have a similar effect.
• You can simply rub the bruise with camphor alcohol– it will relieve inflammation and produce a warming effect.
• Bodyaga is one of the most the best means from bruises and bruises. It helps prevent bruising if used immediately after an injury. Bodyaga infusion recipe: 2 tbsp. Grind bodyagi herbs into powder, pour in four spoons boiled water and immediately apply this paste to the bruise site. It can be wrapped in gauze or bandage to make a compress. It will start working after it thickens a little.

• In order to quickly get rid of bruises, you can take hot baths from a concentrated solution on the bruised area. Epsom salts. The solution is made like this: 400 g of salt is dissolved in a bucket of water. You can put the bruised limb directly into a bucket, or make a bath in another container. Bath time is from 40 minutes to 1 hour.
• Helps with severe bruises alcohol tincture wild rosemary flowers or a decoction of it. Rub the bruised area with these products 2 times a day.
• White cabbage is considered a good remedy for bruises.. The cabbage leaf is applied to the sore spot and secured with a bandage or napkin. Keep this compress for 30 minutes to an hour, then change the sheet. You can take a break and apply another sheet after a few hours. Cabbage relieves swelling and inflammation.

• Beans can also help with a bruise.. It needs to be boiled, mashed into a paste and applied to the bruised area several times a day for 30 minutes, then washed off.
• Raw potatoes are considered a good remedy for swelling and inflammation.. You can simply wash it, cut it into thin slices and apply them to the bruise site. You can also grate it, place it in gauze and make a compress from the pulp, changing it as it heats up. This will include both exposure to cold and treatment. Potatoes can be left on the injured area overnight.
• Honey is considered an anti-inflammatory, absorbable and soothing agent for swelling.. If you mix it in equal proportions with aloe pulp, you get good remedy from bruises. It will relieve pain and tissue inflammation.

Injury- a type of injury that occurs under the direct influence of a mechanical damaging factor, for example, a blow from some object or a blow to an object. As a result of the direct destructive effect of the object and its kinetic energy during impact, tissue cell damage occurs. This is how the local reaction to the traumatic agent is triggered.

Signs of bruise

At the site of the injury At first, slight swelling and short-term pain appear. Later depending on volume damaged tissue swelling increases significantly, intense constant pain at the site of the injury. Possible development in response to pain muscle contraction, which leads to dysfunction of these muscles. The focus of the bruise may increase significantly compared to the initial one - an area of ​​secondary damage appears. If the vessels passing through the site of injury are affected, a hematoma is formed - an accumulation of blood in the thick and loose spaces of soft tissue. In case of integrity violation small vessels pinpoint hemorrhages or continuous bruises appear.

Increasing pain and swelling continues for the first two days, then slow resorption of the lesion begins, which can last from two to three weeks. If there is a hematoma, then complete resorption takes up to a month or more. Special attention deserve soft tissue bruises in the abdomen, lower back, and chest. In such localizations it is important to exclude damage internal organs which can lead to internal bleeding. Therefore, seeing a doctor in such a situation is very important.

First aid for bruises

A person can hurt himself anywhere: at home, on the street, on an expedition, etc. There is not always a doctor nearby, so everyone should be able to help the victim. Often the victim himself can provide this help.

As a rule, the head, arms and legs are susceptible to bruises. Moreover, muscles, blood vessels and nerves are usually damaged. Due to its elasticity, the skin is less likely to suffer from injury. The blood pouring out from the wounded vessels permeates the surrounding tissues, resulting in a bruise (hematoma). As a result, swelling appears at the site of the injury and pain occurs. Often it is even violated normal function injured limb. The pain is especially intensified in cases where the injured area is abundantly supplied with nerves.

Ice, snow or a bubble filled with cold water should be immediately applied to the injury site. A towel soaked in cold water is also suitable for this purpose. Massage, thermal procedures, hot baths and compresses are contraindicated for 4-5 days, as such measures increase hemorrhage.

If the bruise is accompanied by abrasions or scratches, infection may enter the contaminated wound. Therefore, the wound should be cauterized with alcohol or iodine and covered with a bandage.

When the foot is twisted due to a bruise and the ligaments are sprained, in addition to hemorrhage, swelling and severe pain, joint mobility may be limited. In such cases, the victim needs bed rest, cold on the joint area and a bandage to limit joint mobility. (Usually such bandages are also used when the knee and elbow joint s.)

Particular attention should be paid to a head injury, which may be accompanied by a concussion. Signs of this disease: severe headache, nausea and dizziness. The victim needs complete rest and urgent medical consultation.

In all circumstances, after providing first aid, the victim must be shown to a doctor so that, if necessary, he can be given antitetanus serum, exclude bone fractures, and in case of abdominal bruises and chest- damage to internal organs.

So, after a bruise occurs, it is important assess the force of the impact and the location of the injury. This is necessary to eliminate the possibility of damage great vessels, internal organs, brain with bruises in the head area, bone fractures.

During the first hours and the first or second day, cold objects are applied to the site of the bruise, for example an ice pack or a bottle of frozen water. Special sprays are used for athletes. Ice must be applied through a cloth, such as a towel, which should then be slowly unrolled.

When exposed to cold Vasospasm occurs and tissue reactions to damage slow down. This allows you to reduce the area of ​​secondary damage.

To prevent thrombosis and reduce the inflammatory reaction in the first hours and subsequent days, it is allowed to take aspirin at a dose of 0.5 g 1-2 times a day. It is better to use its soluble forms.

For pain relief It is advisable to take analgin, ketorol, both in the form of tablets and injection forms. During this same period, it is good to use ointments based on anti-inflammatory drugs, for example diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, ketorol. Good effect achieved by using fastrum gel.

From the end of the second day and on the following days apply dry heat to the site of injury, physiotherapy. It is possible to use warming ointments: espol, finalgon, fastum gel, capsicam. Allowed to use pepper tinctures, bile, cabbage leaves etc., sometimes taking Wobenzym is recommended.

When hematomas form at the site of injury Under no circumstances should they be opened. This promotes infection and subsequent suppuration. These hematomas will shrink on their own within the first 24 hours.

In case of severe bruises of the limbs, fixation is sometimes used to reduce pain when moving.

The upper extremities are susceptible to injury. One of the most typical injuries is a bruise of the arm in the area between the elbow joint and the hand. Anatomically, this area is called the forearm. Despite the apparent simplicity of the injury and the ease of progression of the bruise, painful condition may limit a person's quality of life for several weeks. Moreover, the effects of some injuries can last for a long time. long period, leading to serious violations limb functions.

Shulepin Ivan Vladimirovich, traumatologist-orthopedist, highest qualification category

Total work experience over 25 years. In 1994 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Medical and Social Rehabilitation, in 1997 he completed a residency in the specialty “Traumatology and Orthopedics” at the Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after. N.N. Prifova.

The painful condition is traumatic injury all tissues of the forearm without destruction of bone structures. Usually the muscles, subcutaneous tissue, as well as the vessels and nerves located in this area are affected. The main cause of hand bruises is trauma due to direct strong contact of this part of the body with a hard surface.

Most often the problem occurs in the following situations:

• when falling on your hand;
• if a knuckle is injured during sparring between athletes or in a street fight;
• when hitting a hard surface;
• during careless handling of equipment in dacha conditions;
• as a result of compression by two hard objects.

Since hands are an integral part active life a person, then in the process of household or sports activities they are subject to traumatization especially often. Hand bruises occur regularly in the following population groups:

• children;
• summer residents and gardeners;
• mechanics and carpenters;
• athletes;
• aged people;
• car enthusiasts.

The mechanism of injury is always the same - as a result of strong contact with a hard surface, the soft tissues of the forearm are damaged. This leads to rupture of small capillaries, destruction nerve fibers as well as muscle damage. As a result of a violation of integrity vascular wall Local hematomas are formed, and edema forms and increases in the area of ​​injury.

The main manifestations of hand bruises

The problem is always a consequence acute injury, so all symptoms develop immediately after receiving it, and then progress. The forearm is anatomically characterized by a small layer of subcutaneous fat, so in case of bruises there is a high probability of damage nerve trunks and vascular highways. Bone structures are located in the same area wrist joint and small joints of the hand.

Clinical manifestations of bruise are as follows:

• severe pain in the damaged area, which radiates to the shoulder, hand, or even to the armpit;
• swelling of the tissues of the forearm;
• skin hyperemia, which then turns into long-lasting cyanosis;
• limb dysfunction;
• inability to work with a brush;
• numbness and paresthesia of the distal parts of the upper limb.

The bruise can involve the bones of the wrist, elbow, as well as neighboring parts of the limb - the shoulder or phalanges of the fingers. In this case, there is a sharp limitation in the function of the hand, it goes numb, since the painful condition is accompanied by damage nerve structures over a large area.

The main symptom that forces the patient to seek treatment medical care, is pain. Its strength is initially caused directly by a strong blow, and then persists due to the formation of a hematoma.

Any damage radius strengthen painful sensations, but there are no visible fractures with bruises. The swelling of the arm, due to massive swelling caused by impaired circulation and lymphatic drainage, remains for several days.

As the function of the arm is restored, pain first disappears, then swelling, and only after that does it appear normal color skin. However, bruises can persist for a very long time, since their resorption strongly depends on the individual characteristics of blood counts and the strength of the traumatic impact.

There are three degrees of severity of a hand injury. Their main differences are discussed below.

• Slight bruise. Trauma limited small area. Bone structures and great vessels are not damaged. All clinical manifestations pass within 2 weeks.
• Injury medium degree gravity. Severe swelling and pain syndrome. There is a hematoma, which is characterized by a persistent course. Individual areas of soft tissue crushing. Bone structures are intact. Convalescence occurs within a month.
• Severe bruise. Signs of soft tissue crushing and damage to periosteal structures. Sharp pain, prolonged swelling, damage to nerve trunks and great vessels. Complications often arise that require surgical treatment. Long-term convalescence, symptoms general intoxication last up to a week, and recovery takes up to 3 months.

A severe bruise cannot be cured quickly, as it often persists for a long time afterwards. neurological disorders(the hand goes numb) and the function of the limb decreases.

A long-lasting hematoma has high risk infection, which is dangerous due to the development of phlegmonous inflammation. As a result, ossification sometimes occurs, making the muscles hard, less functional, and requiring surgery.

One of the types of pathology of the distal parts of the hand is a bruised fist. It occurs due to direct contact of a limb in a compressed state with hard object. As a result, a sharply painful lump forms on the back of the hand below the wrist joint. This lump holds on after being hit long time, since it is a consequence of crushing of soft tissues and resulting local edema. As a result, ossifications form at this site, which are removed surgically.

How to distinguish the manifestations of a hand bruise from a fracture

The first question facing a person who has been injured is to rule out a fracture. The table below shows the main distinctive features these pathological processes.

It is often impossible to accurately determine whether a fracture is present based on clinical data alone. Due to the individual sensitivity of the body, pain can be very difficult to bear, and tissue compaction after a bruise can simulate a fracture. Therefore, it is imperative to contact the emergency room as soon as possible for a full diagnosis of the problem.

Diagnosis of hand bruises

In most cases, the bruise is not life-threatening for the patient. However, during the diagnostic process, it is important to distinguish it from other serious injuries - fractures, sprains or ruptures of muscles and tendons. Therefore, in addition to a clinical examination and studying the details of injury, it is indicated instrumental examination. The main stages of the diagnostic search are discussed below.

• X-ray of the forearm. Helps the doctor understand whether there is a bruise or fracture of a limb, since bone structures are clearly visible during the examination.
• Ultrasound. The method provides diagnostics of the condition of soft tissues - the presence of hematomas, muscle or tendon ruptures.
• CT scan. If at X-ray examination questions remain regarding problems with bone structures, then you should study them layer by layer. This is ensured through CT scanning of the forearm.
• MRI. This exact method It is rarely used, but it is indispensable in diagnosing processes occurring in soft tissues. MRI helps to understand whether there is a bruise or muscle strain, small tendon ruptures and hidden hematomas.

Additionally, blood tests are used to assess hemoglobin levels and acute phase parameters. The entire diagnostic search is carried out within a short time, as it is necessary to assess the severity of the injury.

Emergency care: general principles of treatment for a bruised hand

Since the body’s reaction to an injury develops especially strongly in a matter of minutes, it is necessary to quickly provide qualified first aid. It includes the following points:

• free your hand from clothes;
• apply cold - if it is ice, then not on the skin, but through a towel or bandage;
• ensure immobilization, since visually distinguishing signs of a bruise from a fracture is very problematic;
• give anesthetic - diagnostics in medical institution is not based on the patient’s subjective feelings, so taking analgesics is justified;
• transported to the hospital for examination by a doctor and x-rays.

To ensure cold, it is better to use compresses with water, periodically changing the bandage.

Traditional treatment for a bruised hand at home

Typically, a hand bruise requires treatment at home, since only patients with suspected serious injury or when it is impossible to exclude damage to the great vessels are hospitalized. General principles treatments include:

• taking analgesics, often from NSAID groups(diclofenac, naproxen, nimesulide);
• elastic bandage to improve hematoma resorption;
• external therapy to relieve the tumor - anticoagulants and reparants (heparin, dexpanthenol);
• if there is damage nervous system– vitamins and antispastic agents;
• in the presence of a pronounced emotional reaction of the patient, sedatives are used.

If a child’s hand is swollen and hurts, then it is necessary to short time restore its activity. Cold compresses will help saline solution, external gels for resorption of hematomas and analgesics from the paracetamol group. If they are not very effective, then only ibuprofen can be used among non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Principles of treatment for hand bruises caused by a fall or after strong blow practically no different. The most important condition get well soon is the use of cold in the first minutes after injury. This will limit the size of the hematoma, which will allow for rapid treatment and restoration of activity of the upper limb.

Recovery after a hand injury and possible consequences

The problem does not apply to severe injuries, so convalescence occurs within 10-14 days. Bruises resolve, as rehabilitation progresses, they become yellowish, and then only a hyperpigmented area on the skin remains.

However, as a result of the bruise, long-term consequences may persist. These include:

• hematoma suppuration;
• compression of the midline structures of the arm, which leads to impaired blood circulation and innervation of the limb;
• muscle ossification - painful compaction in soft tissues that makes active movements difficult;
• damage to nerves and blood vessels.

The consequences of a hand injury more often occur after a fall, since the mechanism of injury is associated with the impact of body weight on upper limb. All complications are curable, but rehabilitation sometimes increases to 6 months. The therapy process includes drugs that increase blood flow to the limb, as well as improve trophism nerve tissue(peripheral vasodilators, muscle relaxants and vitamins). Sometimes surgical treatment is necessary to eliminate ossified areas.

Conclusion

Thus, a hand bruise is a painful injury that can deprive a person of his ability to work for a long time. The consequences of damage to the forearm can remain for many years, affecting the function of the limb. Muscle ossification is especially dangerous, leading to the appearance of rough, painful lumps at the site of injury. In the absence of complications, a hand bruise disappears within 2 weeks, and severe cases last up to 3 months. The sooner the patient receives qualified assistance, the faster the favorable outcome of the injury will occur. In most cases conservative treatment gives positive result and provides a good prognosis for a speedy recovery.

If the pain in your arm does not go away - doctor's advice

Hurt it closed damage soft tissues. There is probably not a single person who has not experienced this type of injury. In most cases, bruises do not require treatment and heal on their own. As a rule, with a bruise, there is no violation of the integrity of the tissue, except for the rupture of small vessels (capillaries). But sometimes a bruise can cause significant damage, such as a head injury. In addition, the bruise may accompany other wounds, such as a fracture. In this case, they talk about bruised wounds.

Symptoms of bruise

The symptoms of a bruise are known to everyone - this is sharp pain in the immediate area of ​​damage, swelling and redness. In the case of a minor bruise, the pain subsides after a few minutes, and a hematoma appears at the site of redness, which is popularly called a bruise. A hematoma occurs due to hemorrhage resulting from 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 is important, as well as the location where the bruise occurred. In people with increased capillary permeability, a minor bruise or even a careless touch can cause a significant hematoma, while severe bruise may not manifest itself as an external hematoma, while internal bleeding will be quite significant.

Pain after a severe injury is a more persistent symptom. The nature of the pain changes over time, from sharp at first, when exposed to a traumatic factor, to aching later. Pain that persists after a bruise for a long time is an unfavorable symptom and a reason to seek medical help, as it may indicate damage internal structures(fracture, bruise with hemorrhage of an internal organ, ligament rupture, concussion, etc.). Most often, distant pain after a bruise is associated with the formation of a hematoma, compressing nerve endings, especially when touching or moving the injured part of the body.

A symptom of a joint bruise is significant swelling. A symptom of a head injury is a severe headache. You need to know that if a head injury causes a loss of consciousness, even a short-term one, or the victim cannot remember the moment of injury, this is a sign of a concussion. In this case, medical intervention is necessary, at least diagnostics for the presence of an intracranial hematoma.

If there is a chest injury, abdominal cavity or abdomen, the symptoms of a bruise can be quite serious. Signs of damage to internal organs, such as the appearance of blood in the urine, weakening of breathing, increasing pain, clouding of consciousness, in short, increasingly increasing rather than decreasing symptoms of a bruise, should be a reason to immediately seek medical help.

Consequences of a bruise

In the vast majority of cases, mild and even severe bruises pass without consequences, or the consequences of the bruise disappear without a trace within two to three weeks. However, there are situations when the consequences of a bruise can be quite serious. First of all, this applies to the already mentioned head contusions. The fact is that skull- this is a closed space, and the hematoma, which in any other place of the body would resolve over time without causing significant concern, in the skull leads to compression of the vital important structures brain In this case, the consequence of the injury may be neurological disorders varying degrees severity and location, severe headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and even death.

One of the consequences of a bruise, although quite rare, can be the calcification of a hematoma. In this case, a compaction remains in the soft tissues, which can cause quite significant pain when moving. In some cases long-term consequence bruise of the soft tissue of the mammary gland in women or the testicle in men may develop malignant tumor these organs.

A serious consequence of a bruise is a violation of the integrity of a large vessel. In this case, significant hemorrhage and even internal bleeding is possible, a blood clot may form with subsequent severe complication– thromboembolism, when blood clot with the movement of blood, a vessel of smaller diameter enters and blocks it. Thromboembolism can lead to heart attack, stroke, necrosis of an internal organ, and death.

Also of significant danger are the consequences of bruises of internal organs, for example, bruise of the heart, bruise of the kidneys, liver, spleen. In this case, various types of damage, disruption of their functions, dangerous for life.

Considering all of the above, do not underestimate bruises, especially serious ones.

Help for bruises

Everyone knows how to provide assistance for bruises, but not everyone knows how to provide assistance for bruises correctly. First aid for a bruise is to examine the damaged area, if it is a limb, then check its functions (flexion-extension, other movements). If there are only symptoms of a bruise, and not a more serious injury, it is necessary to apply cold to the injured area. This causes spasm of the microvasculature and helps stop internal hemorrhage.

It is better not to use painkillers so as not to miss the deterioration of the condition in case of additional complications. However, if you are sure that the bruise has not damaged the internal organs, you can give an anesthetic drug, with the exception of aspirin ( acetylsalicylic acid). Aspirin should not be used to treat bruises, as it increases bleeding.

If there is a severe contusion of the head with loss of consciousness, a severe contusion of the lower back, abdomen or chest, in addition to applying a cold compress, the victim must be laid down and called ambulance, or deliver to the emergency room on your own, trying, if possible, to immobilize the bruised area and maintain peace.

It must be remembered that cold is effective only during the first thirty minutes. Then the necessary help for a bruise consists of giving rest to the bruised area. Two days after the injury, gentle heat is required on the damaged area. Application warm compress during this period, it ensures blood flow to the site of the bruise, which accelerates the resorption of the hematoma without the risk of resumption of bleeding.

Treatment of bruises

Treatment of bruises is required when a significant injury occurs. Contusions to the head, abdomen, lower back and chest require hospitalization surgery department, where after carrying out appropriate diagnostics a decision is made on further treatment bruise. IN severe cases surgical treatment of the bruise is performed. Access to the damaged area is carried out either endoscopically or open, ruptures of large vessels, ruptures are sutured parenchymal organs, the spilled blood is removed. Then the wound is drained. In parallel, anti-inflammatory and painkillers are prescribed.

Treatment of a bruise in the regeneration stage consists of the use of physiotherapy in order to accelerate the resorption of the hematoma and the speedy restoration of damaged tissues.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Bruises: symptoms, complications, treatment

However, despite this, soft tissue bruises require serious attention, which is explained by the possibility of complications. In addition, the diagnosis of a bruise is not obvious in all cases: more severe organ damage may be hidden under this mask.

Causes of bruises

A bruise occurs when the body is hit with a blunt object or as a result of a fall. The severity of the injury is determined by several factors:

1.characteristics of the traumatic agent:

speed of impact;

2. features of injured tissues:

the extent of the damage area;

elasticity of tissues;

age of the patient;

degree of blood supply to the organ;

proximity to other organs ( large vessels, bone, nerve, etc.).

Symptoms of bruise

Manifestations of a bruise are characterized by pain varying intensity, swelling, bruising and often hematoma - a local accumulation of blood. The severity of edema is greatest in areas with loose subcutaneous tissue– on the face, in the joint area, on the back of the hand. The pain persists for 3 or more days - this depends on the extent and depth of the damage, as well as on the involvement in the process nearby organ, for example a joint.

Microscopically, with a bruise, damage to the skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, and small vessels is determined. Violation of the integrity of blood vessels leads to interstitial bleeding, which, along with reactive edema, further compresses the tissue and can increase their damage.

How to distinguish a bruise from a fracture, dislocation, sprain or rupture of ligaments?

Soft tissue bruising can lead to limited movement, especially if we're talking about about limb injury. It is not always possible to easily distinguish a bruise from a more serious injury, but there are a number of characteristic signs.

1. With a bruise, pathological joint mobility never develops, when, for example, the knee or elbow joint can be excessively extended.

2. The shape of the joint does not change significantly, but swelling may occur, visually increasing its volume.

3. A bruise never leads to a change in the shape of the bone: there should be no unnatural bends of long bones.

4.Pain with a bruise tends to fade. In some cases, in the first hours after the injury, the pain may intensify, which is explained by continued bleeding into the soft tissues and compression of the nerve endings.

5. As a rule, on the second or third day a person can already actively use the injured limb.

However, it can be quite difficult to differentiate between a bruise and a fracture (torn ligament or muscle, sprain, dislocation).

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

1. The joint is unnaturally twisted.

2. The correct geometry is violated long bone: its bend is visible to the eye.

3. The head injury was accompanied by loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

4. Chest contusion led to severe pain when breathing.

5. Abdominal bruise resulted in vomiting (especially with blood), black stools, intense pain in the abdomen, dizziness, loss of consciousness, lack of bowel movements for 3 or more days.

6. The pain is intense, analgesics practically do not help.

7. An injury to a limb has made it impossible to use it - the pain prevents you from stepping on your leg, bending the limb at the joint is extremely painful.

8. Symptoms No. 6 and 7 do not go away within 2-3 days.

Complications of bruises

Although bruises themselves are not serious injuries, in some cases they can lead to serious consequences.

When exposed to a traumatic agent obliquely, massive detachment of subcutaneous fat and skin may occur with the formation of a cavity. The cavity is filled with exudate - inflammatory fluid mixed with lymph and blood.

Collection of blood - hematoma - in the absence adequate treatment may fester.

If, as a result of a bruise, blood accumulates in the joint, hemarthrosis develops, requiring qualified surgical care.

Contusion of the soft tissues of the head may be accompanied by a concussion or bruise of the brain.

A neck bruise in some cases can lead to disruption of blood flow through local vessels and signs of insufficient blood supply to the brain.

A back injury in which blood vessels are involved in the process can lead to a disruption of the blood supply to the spinal cord.

A severe bruise to the chest can cause cardiac arrest and breathing problems.

It should be remembered that a bruise in the abdomen can cause damage to internal organs - intestines, stomach, liver, kidneys, etc.

Integrity violation skin with a bruise it is often complicated by infection and suppuration.

Treatment of bruises

Depending on the severity of the damage, conservative or surgical treatment is used.

Conservative treatment

In the first day or two, you need to try to ensure the rest of the injured limb. Immediately after injury, you can use irrigation with chlorethyl, a cooling agent. In the future, cold is applied to the site of the bruise, but it is worth remembering the need to remove it every 2 hours and take a break for 30-60 minutes - this will prevent cold damage to tissues and blood vessels.

Overlay pressure bandage will help limit the spread of swelling and bleeding. If you apply such a bandage yourself, do not overdo it - do not squeeze the feeding vessels of the underlying organs.

For severe pain, you can take analgesics - painkillers. In a surgical hospital, blockades can be used (prescribed and performed by a doctor). Pain can also be reduced by elevating the injured limb.

On the second or third day therapeutic effect fundamentally changes: the cold is canceled and therapy is prescribed aimed at resolving hemorrhages and restoring damaged tissues. Already during this period it is possible to use UHF; a little later, when the pain becomes minimal, other thermal procedures. Use rubbing, baths, compresses. They gradually begin to develop the injured limb, while sudden and forced movements should be avoided.

To enhance the resorption process, you can use ointments that have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as diclofenac. Lead water in the form of lotions prevents the spread of bruises and relieves swelling. It is worth remembering that external agents are not recommended for use on the area of ​​wounds and abrasions.

Surgery

Surgery may be required if there are hematomas or large cavities filled with fluid. The liquid is sucked out using a needle and syringe, and antibiotics are injected into the resulting cavity to prevent inflammation.

Hemarthrosis - accumulation of blood in the joint cavity - also requires surgical treatment. After puncture of the joint, as a rule, they resort to applying a plaster cast. In the future they will use therapeutic exercises, aimed at preventing contractures - restrictions on movement in the joint.

Treatment of bruises with folk remedies

There are many recipes traditional medicine, which can be used in addition to the treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Arnica flowers

Take a teaspoon of arnica flowers, pour 200 ml of boiling water, wrap it and leave it to infuse for 2 hours. The finished infusion is filtered and drunk a tablespoon before each meal. The same infusion can be used for local treatment: To do this, moisten gauze or a cotton cloth with the composition and apply it to the site of the bruise.

Spirit of camphor

Used to rub a bruise on the second or third day after injury.

Bodyaga

Bodyagu can be used immediately after an injury. This method of treatment will significantly reduce the size of the bruise and swelling, and therefore reduce pain. This is how bodyaga is prepared: pour boiling water over the grass in a ratio of 1:2 until a paste is obtained. The resulting pulp is applied to the bruised area and covered with gauze, fixing it on the injured area.

Epsom salt

It is used for hot baths. To do this, place 400 g of Epsom salt in 8 liters of water and, after waiting for it to dissolve, immerse the injured limb in the salt composition for 40 minutes.

Ledum flowers

An alcohol tincture or decoction of wild rosemary flowers can be used for rubbing.

Cabbage

The most common White cabbage may also reduce swelling and inflammation. A cabbage leaf is tightly fixed to the bruised area for 30-50 minutes. You can use several cabbage leaves throughout the day.

Potato

Circles are applied to reduce pain and swelling raw potatoes to the sore spot.

Beans

The beans are boiled, crushed into puree and applied hot to the bruise.

Honey and aloe

Prepare a paste of aloe, mix it with honey in approximately equal proportions and make a compress.