Definition
A contusion is also called a contusion in medicine. It is an injury caused by an impact, kick, fall or other violent external influence. Visible injuries may be absent, but often there is bruising, pain and swelling of the affected area because smaller vessels and capillaries are broken, causing fluid and blood to leak into the surrounding tissue.
External injuries such as abrasions, wounds and the discharge of blood do not per se belong to the definition of a thigh contusion. A contusion is not dangerous, but can be very painful and disturbing. The lateral thigh in particular is not very flexible due to the tendon plate that strains the hip, and contusions are particularly painful and extensive.
Causes
A thigh bruise can basically occur during all kinds of activities. Very often a bruise occurs in accidents, falls and sports with physical contact or high speed. However, a contusion can also occur in everyday life, e.g. when simply bumping into doors or objects.
Any situation in which a force is applied to the thigh at a point or over a large area can cause a thigh bruise. Possible causes of thigh bruises include, for example, falls or collisions with an obstacle. Some sports have a high risk of falling and thigh contusions are common, such as horseback riding, various ball sports such as handball and soccer, and winter sports.
They also occur frequently in martial arts. Bruises are called “pole kisses” in pole dancing, depending on the severity of the bruises, they can also occur. Bruises can also be the result of physical violence and can be caused by kicks or punches.
Mistreatment and physical confrontations can result in bruises in various areas. Bruises on the thigh are a very common problem in a fall. Predestined here are cyclists or motorcyclists, for example.
In the case of falls at high speed, in addition to more critical injuries, less problematic abrasions and contusions also occur. Thigh contusions also occur in older and frail people. Here they are caused by falls while walking or from bed.
This group of persons often show the thigh contusions in the area of the femoral head (outside of the thigh). These falls should not be underestimated, since fractures can occur in addition to the bruises. Therefore, the rule of thumb is that older people should be presented to a doctor after falls on the thigh and hip.
- Fall in old age
- Femoral neck fracture
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