Summary
Bruises are usually caused by trauma, usually of a blunt nature. Mostly in sports accidents (here mainly joint trauma) or after falls (rib bruises).Visible are mostly swellings and bruises in the affected area. Patients often complain of severe pain and impaired movement.
A fracture must first be excluded diagnostically, usually by means of an X-ray. Contusions of the rib cage and ribs are particularly painful. They are usually caused by falls or car accidents.
Mostly dependent on breathing, they often cause pain for weeks or months. Therapeutically, bruises are treated conservatively. This treatment consists of a physical therapy consisting of cold applications as well as an adequate medicamentous pain therapy, mostly consisting of the drug group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Surgical therapy approaches should only be discussed if parts of the joint, the capsule or the ligaments have been injured, especially in the case of joint contusions. Bruises are sometimes more difficult to treat than fractures, and some are at least as painful and long-lasting.
