Therapy
If a contusion is suspected, the current activity (sport) should be interrupted immediately. Cooling the area can be very helpful. .
Cooling batteries or ice can be used for this. However, ice should never be placed directly on the skin, as severe cold can cause injuries to the skin and tissue! The treating doctor will prescribe pain-relieving medication depending on the pain sensation.
These help in coping with everyday movements and activities such as sleeping, coughing or sneezing. This pain treatment is important, as sternum contusions often lead to avoidance behaviour. Deep breathing or coughing should not be avoided, as it can often lead to infections of the respiratory tract. Breathing exercises and respiratory gymnastics can prevent this. Other unnecessary movements and sports activities should be avoided.
Diagnosis of a contusion of the sternum
In order to exclude a bone fracture, the affected area should be x-rayed. Often a fracture is more likely to be suspected due to the severe pain and swelling. In order to exclude further injuries after a car accident, sometimes other imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (no radiation exposure! ), computer tomography and ultrasound examinations are used.
Duration of a sternum contusion
A contusion of the sternum can last a very long time and cause pain. Usually the bruise heals within three weeks. However, the duration depends on the severity of the injury and ranges from a few days to a few weeks.
Sports activities should only be resumed slowly and with increasing intensity when the pain is gone. Exercising too early can delay and prolong the healing process.
