Symptoms
Possible symptoms of a minor contusion include pain, bruising, skin discoloration, swelling, and abrasions. An open injury is not usually referred to as a contusion but, for example, as a laceration. Other symptoms depend on the affected area of the body and the severity.
Causes
A contusion is caused by a sudden and blunt force impact, for example in an accident, a blow, a collision, due to a falling object or during a fall. The swelling that develops is usually due to a bruise.
Diagnosis
Simple bruises can be self-treated. Medical treatment is indicated for, among other things:
- Large-scale and severe bruises
- Suspected internal injuries or bone fractures
- Severe limitation of mobility
- Major wounds and bleeding
- Patients under antithrombotics
- Infants, the elderly
- Bruises in the genital area and on the face resp. head
- Inflammation and infections
Non-drug treatment
Mild contusions can be treated according to the so-called “PECH” regimen. PECH stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation:
- Rest
- Cooling contracts the vessels and tissues and reduces swelling, pain and inflammatory processes. Cooling can be done, for example, with a cold hot pack, water or a cold spray. Be careful with ice-cold products, because it can cause local frostbite!
- Elevation and compression with an elastic bandage reduce blood flow and thus the resulting swelling and pain.
Drug treatment
Locally administered drugs such as gels and ointments are cooling, analgesic and anti-inflammatory. They are usually well tolerated:
- Diclofenac gel (Voltaren, generics), other topical NSAIDs such as etofenamate, salicylates.
- Comfrey ointments (eg, Andres comfrey ointment).
- Arnica ointments (eg Weleda Arnica ointment).
- Acetic-tartaric alumina solution (Euceta substitute products).
- Cooling gels with menthol (eg Perskindol cool).
- Horse chestnut ointments (eg Venostasin)
- Numerous other products are available.
Analgesics are analgesic and anti-inflammatory. With oral therapy, more adverse effects must be expected:
- Paracetamol (e.g., Panadol), ibuprofen (e.g., Algifor), and naproxen (e.g., Aleve).
Heparin gels:
- Heparins are believed to have antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Alternative Medicine:
- In homeopathy, Arnica globules and other Arnica preparations are often used for treatment.
- Traumeel ointment
- Bromelain (Germany)