Bone Bruise

Bone Bruise Are you suffering from bruised bones? There are many treatment choices you can go for. Bone bruises range from being excruciating to uncomfortable. There are many reasons for bone bruises. Learn about bone bruises, the causes and treatment in this article.

What is a bone bruise?
Bone bruises are also referred to as bone contusions or at times bone swelling. They represent an injury type that bears similarity to tissue bruises and fractures. These bruises could be as a result of possible injury or blunt trauma to the tissues that support the bones. These days, bone bruises can be easily detected because of the availability of MRI Machines. If you suspect you might have a bone bruise, you should have an MRI done to confirm or discount your suspicions.

Causes of bone bruise


1. Spots injuries
Sports bruises occur after the body comes into contact with hard surfaces. It could be caused by falling, or bumping into a person or equipment. Players are advised to wear protective gear like helmets and shin guards to reduce the impact of contact on the bones.

2. Trauma, falls and car accidents
The impact from car accidents is forceful enough to cause bruises on the bones. Falling and slipping can also cause bone bruises. The height of the fall can also increase the injury risks.

3. Twisting
Joint sprains and other twisting accidents can cause bruised bones. The common areas are ankles and knees.

Types of bone bruises
There are three types of bruises; subcutaneous bruises, intramuscular bruises and periosteal bone bruises. The third type is also referred to as a periosteal bruise. It is caused by the injury to the outer layer blood vessels. This is also the most painful bone bruise of the three types.

Symptoms of bone bruise
Bone bruises are usually a result of trauma on the bone from accidents. This can cause bleeding under the bone's covering. The symptoms of a bone bruise can vary based on the seriousness of the injury. It is possible to confuse these symptoms with those of other injuries like ligament, muscle bruises, as well as tendon damage.

1. Swelling
This is the leading symptom of a bone bruise. There are other injuries that can cause swelling and thus this is not always an indication of a bone bruise. In the case of bruising to tissues, the bruise will be visible on the skin. An x-ray will determine whether the swelling is a result of a bone bruise. To stop swelling, elevate the injured part and apply ice. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken.

2. Pain
Pain after an accident of injury is normal. However, pain intensity after a day of two is a sign of bone bruises. Over the counter pain killers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to ease the pain.

3. Stiffness
This happens when the injured bone forms a part of a joint or is close to a joint. Elbows and knees are common spots for stiffness after injury. Stiffness is also an indication of other injuries. Slow motion exercise and rest can help in the healing process.

When to see a doctor
One is advised to seek medical help for any symptoms of bone bruises. X-rays can determine the presence of fractures and whether further tests are required. Bone bruises can take time to heal; up to a few months. This is enough time for the swelling and pain to subside completely.

Bone bruise treatments
People with bone bruises should keep off aspirin and should take ibuprofen in moderate doses. Aspirin inhibits the formation of Blood Clots since the blood becomes thinner. This causes bleeding to worsen after injury.

1. Rest
Rest promotes healing and thus preventing further complications. Moving the injured part often can cause pain aggravation. Rest speeds up healing.

2. Painkillers
These reduce the severity of the pain in the injured area. Take NSAIDS (ibuprofen) manufactured by Motrin or Advil to relieve pain and swelling.

3. Ice massage
This relives pain in the injured part. Ice can be rubbed for 10 minutes a few times each day. Do not apply ice cubes to the skin directly. Wrap the cubes in a cloth or bag before applying.

4. Braces
Braces offer additional support to the tissues of the injured area. This prevents aggravation of the injury by minimizing the pressure. These braces also reduce healing time, reduce pain and also strengthen the affected area.

5. Supplements
Supplements like bromelain can help in the healing of bone bruises. These are mainly protein digestive enzymes that are ideal for treating injuries. The bromelain supplement is extracted from the pineapple fruit and is sold over the counter in capsules. It reduces swelling and also alleviates pain.

6. No smoking
For smokers, stopping the habit can speed up healing. Chewing tobacco is also not advisable. The Nicotine present in these substances compresses the blood vessels and obstructs the circulation of the blood. This cuts the nutrients reaching the injured part hence prolonging the time for healing.

7. Healthy diet
Proper nutrition plays a very important role to facilitate recovery. So eat many fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits like guava and cherries and vegetables like spinach, carrots and cabbage are excellent healing foods.

8. Micro current therapy
This therapy speeds up the bone bruise healing process. Electric currents are passed through the injured part. It relives pain and repairs damaged tissues. This therapy also reduces the swelling and also relives Chronic Pain.

Bone Bruise

Bone Bruise

Are you suffering from bruised bones? There are many treatment choices you can go for. Bone bruises range from being excruciating to uncomfortable. There are many reasons for bone bruises. Learn about bone bruises, the causes and treatment in this article.

What is a bone bruise?
Bone bruises are also referred to as bone contusions or at times bone swelling. They represent an injury type that bears similarity to tissue bruises and fractures. These bruises could be as a result of possible injury or blunt trauma to the tissues that support the bones. These days, bone bruises can be easily detected because of the availability of Mri Machines. If you suspect you might have a bone bruise, you should have an MRI done to confirm or discount your suspicions.

Causes of bone bruise


1. Spots injuries
Sports bruises occur after the body comes into contact with hard surfaces. It could be caused by falling, or bumping into a person or equipment. Players are advised to wear protective gear like helmets and shin guards to reduce the impact of contact on the bones.

2. Trauma, falls and car accidents
The impact from car accidents is forceful enough to cause bruises on the bones. Falling and slipping can also cause bone bruises. The height of the fall can also increase the injury risks.

3. Twisting
Joint sprains and other twisting accidents can cause bruised bones. The common areas are ankles and knees.

Types of bone bruises
There are three types of bruises; subcutaneous bruises, intramuscular bruises and periosteal bone bruises. The third type is also referred to as a periosteal bruise. It is caused by the injury to the outer layer blood vessels. This is also the most painful bone bruise of the three types.

Symptoms of bone bruise
Bone bruises are usually a result of trauma on the bone from accidents. This can cause bleeding under the bone's covering. The symptoms of a bone bruise can vary based on the seriousness of the injury. It is possible to confuse these symptoms with those of other injuries like ligament, muscle bruises, as well as tendon damage.

1. Swelling
This is the leading symptom of a bone bruise. There are other injuries that can cause swelling and thus this is not always an indication of a bone bruise. In the case of bruising to tissues, the bruise will be visible on the skin. An x-ray will determine whether the swelling is a result of a bone bruise. To stop swelling, elevate the injured part and apply ice. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken.

2. Pain
Pain after an accident of injury is normal. However, pain intensity after a day of two is a sign of bone bruises. Over the counter pain killers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to ease the pain.

3. Stiffness
This happens when the injured bone forms a part of a joint or is close to a joint. Elbows and knees are common spots for stiffness after injury. Stiffness is also an indication of other injuries. Slow motion exercise and rest can help in the healing process.

When to see a doctor
One is advised to seek medical help for any symptoms of bone bruises. X-rays can determine the presence of fractures and whether further tests are required. Bone bruises can take time to heal; up to a few months. This is enough time for the swelling and pain to subside completely.

Bone bruise treatments
People with bone bruises should keep off aspirin and should take ibuprofen in moderate doses. Aspirin inhibits the formation of Blood Clots since the blood becomes thinner. This causes bleeding to worsen after injury.

1. Rest
Rest promotes healing and thus preventing further complications. Moving the injured part often can cause pain aggravation. Rest speeds up healing.

2. Painkillers
These reduce the severity of the pain in the injured area. Take NSAids (ibuprofen) manufactured by Motrin or Advil to relieve pain and swelling.

3. Ice massage
This relives pain in the injured part. Ice can be rubbed for 10 minutes a few times each day. Do not apply ice cubes to the skin directly. Wrap the cubes in a cloth or bag before applying.

4. Braces
Braces offer additional support to the tissues of the injured area. This prevents aggravation of the injury by minimizing the pressure. These braces also reduce healing time, reduce pain and also strengthen the affected area.

5. Supplements
Supplements like bromelain can help in the healing of bone bruises. These are mainly protein digestive enzymes that are ideal for treating injuries. The bromelain supplement is extracted from the pineapple fruit and is sold over the counter in capsules. It reduces swelling and also alleviates pain.

6. No smoking
For smokers, stopping the habit can speed up healing. Chewing tobacco is also not advisable. The nicotine present in these substances compresses the blood vessels and obstructs the circulation of the blood. This cuts the nutrients reaching the injured part hence prolonging the time for healing.

7. Healthy diet
Proper nutrition plays a very important role to facilitate recovery. So eat many fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits like guava and cherries and vegetables like spinach, carrots and cabbage are excellent healing foods.

8. Micro current therapy
This therapy speeds up the bone bruise healing process. Electric currents are passed through the injured part. It relives pain and repairs damaged tissues. This therapy also reduces the swelling and also relives Chronic Pain.

Bone Bruise – Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Bone Bruise – Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment






Any injury caused to the bone need not be a fracture all the time. Bruise is a kind of injury that affects the muscular structure of the bone. Bruise, if not treated properly can lead to a fracture. Bone bruise is the intermediate stage of fracture. In a fracture the trabeculae of the bones remain broken whereas in a bruise the medullary region of the bone is injured. Skin injury or any kind of bruise on the skin can cause pain that is bearable. But bone bruise can cause excruciating pain.

The interconnected fibers would get broken interrupting the calcium deposits in the spaces. If more volumes of these fibers get collapsed it is a fracture. If lesser amount of fibers get damaged due to injury or fall it causes bruise on the bone. Bone bruise can be detected by imaging tests like CT/MRI scan. Treatment for bone bruise depends on the intensity of injury of the broken bone. Anti-inflammatory and painkiller medications and wearing splints are effective in treating the broken bone. Bone bruise is common with athletes.

Types :

There are 3 major kinds of bone bruise.

• Subperiosteal Hematoma :

Periosteum is the layer of thin covering around the bone and if any kind of trauma or injury causes blood leakage below this layer of periosteum it is known as subperiosteal hematoma.

• Interosseous Bruise :

A forceful blow or fall can collapse the bone structure resulting in bleeding of bone marrow region. This type of bruise is known as interosseous bruise. Many athletes and amateur sports personalities would get this kind of bruise frequently.

• Subchondrial Bruise :

When the accidental injury tears the part between the cartilages and the bone it is known as subcondrial bruise. Cartilages are normally attached to the bone and during injury it gets separated from the bone causing internal bleeding.

Symptoms :

Intense pain and swelling are the common symptoms of bruised bone. Swelling on the injured area in the skin does not always be a bone injury. The injury can also be superficial and only an X-ray can reveal if there is damage to the bone. Intensity of pain caused by bone bruise varies with respect to the extent of fibers that has been damaged. For some there can be moderate pain and for others it can cause sharp pain. Bruised bone can cause pain lasting for many weeks.

The area that has been subjected to injury remains stiff. For instance if the knee bone is bruised the joint that surrounds the knee becomes stiff. If there is any accidental fall or sports injury causing swelling, stiffness and sharp pain it can be a bone bruise. You can discuss with your doctor if the pain does not subsides and swelling continues to remain even after few days.

Causes :

Acute trauma and injury caused during sports are the main cause for bone bruise. Bruised bone is quite common in football and basketball players. Often the knee and the ankle are injured in such sports. These kinds of sports activities involve falling and getting into contact with force with other players, which can lead to bruise on the bone. Sprain can cause bone bruise many times. Twisting injuries are common in knees and ankles when people walk on uneven surface. Bones can collide with each other with force causing bone bruises. Sprain can take several weeks for complete healing. Accidental fall during biking or car driving can cause direct impact on the bone. This can cause bone bruise or fracture and sometimes internal bleeding within bones.

Sites Of Bone Bruise :

Bone bruise can occur in any part of the body. Common sites are knee and ankle and sprain often affects the ankle region. Heel bone, hip bone, ball of the foot, calf bone, elbow, shoulder blade, and collarbone and wrist bones can also develop bone bruise.

Diagnosis :

Bone bruise cannot be detected by physical examination. Your doctor will observe the symptoms and request for imaging tests like X-ray, CT/MRI scan to get accurate picture of the damage caused to the concerned bone.

Treatment :

Before visiting your doctor, you can apply ice cubes (wrapped in a towel) over the injured bone. This is effective in reducing the swelling and controlling the pain. After a fall or accidental injury bone or joint can get damaged and sometimes both of them can be affected. Your doctor will decide the course of treatment after seeing the reports of MRI scan. Any type of bone bruises, whether mild or moderate requires complete rest of the injured area. Moving the injured bone will make conditions worse and delay the healing process.

Anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, Advil, Diclofenac and other NSAIDS can be taken to manage pain. These drugs can cause mild disturbance in stomach hence you can take this after food. Splints or braces are recommended for bone bruise which gives additional support and restrict movement of injured bone. Bone bruise takes time for healing and it is not like soft tissue. Hence you have to avoid stressful activities and alter your daily routine until the bone heals completely. Always keep the injured bone in elevated position which will prevent further swelling.

Your doctor may advise to use crutches if there is leg injury. Using crutches for few months would facilitate easy healing of bone bruise. This also helps in shifting extra weight of your body thus relieving pressure of the injured bone. While wearing braces or using splint you should make sure it is not getting it wet while bathing. Follow the instructions of your doctor and take medications regularly.

Duration :

Bone bruise takes longer time than you expect to heal completely. The time of healing depends on the intensity of injury and it takes anywhere from 2-6 months for bone bruise to heal.