Definition
Contusions are caused by the application of blunt force to soft tissue. This leads to bruising of the tissue, which injures vessels. The leakage of lymph fluid and blood leads to bruising and swelling.
Superficial skin injuries are usually absent, and there is severe pain, which may worsen under stress. The hand or fingers can also be bruised, typically the patient assumes a relieving posture and is in pain. Swelling and bruising can also occur.
Causes
The cause of a contusion is the use of blunt force. Finger bruises often occur during sports where there is frequent body contact or falls. In ball sports, the violent impact of balls on the fingers leads to bruises, among other things.
These include sports such as handball, basketball or volleyball. Falls are also part of many sports, especially falls from great heights such as riding or climbing can lead to bruises. Kicks, punches or blows that affect the hand and fingers, such as in martial arts, can also lead to bruises.
Diagnosis
Already on the basis the patient discussion and the description of the accident process one can place the suspicion diagnosis contusion. In doing so, a large number of differential diagnoses must be excluded. With the help of X-rays, possible bone fractures can be determined.
Further radiological measures can evaluate the injury to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons or capsules. A finger bruise can lead to bleeding into joint capsules. If bruising occurs in addition to severe pain and swelling, the diagnosis of a contusion is obvious. If a contusion heals very poorly and there is no improvement in symptoms, a doctor should be consulted.
Symptoms
A bruise of the finger is usually already noticeable immediately after the accident or the causal violence by strong pain. The affected finger is brought into a bent, gentle position. Swelling, reddening and bruising of the affected finger can occur, which can take on different proportions.
The finger can still be moved under strong pain, a complete closure of the fist is hardly possible. Slight bruises usually do not cause numbness, unless nerve fibers are pinched or injured. In severe cases of traumatic injuries to the fingers, compression or injury to sensitive fibers may occur.
Severe pain, tingling or numbness of the fingers may occur. Nerve compression can also occur due to the swelling that develops. In this case, the sensitivity should reappear after the swelling subsides. If the finger is numb after a contusion, other diagnoses such as a fracture should be ruled out. The doctor should order an X-ray and further radiological images for clarification.