Contusions
What are Contusions?
Contusion is a fancy word for bruise. Any sort of blow or impact can cause a contusion; the red or purple color indicates that the tiny blood vessels (or capillaries) have broken, and the blood they carry has seeped out into the tissue that those vessels serve. Contusions can indicate bleeding has occurred in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle beneath. A more severe contusion can result in blood pooling below the skin and fluid build-up, causing swelling or hematoma. Contusions in bones or vital organs are also possible, though harder to see.
How do Automobile Accidents Cause Contusions?
Contusions are common in car accidents. During an accident, even when restrained, part of the passenger’s body may contact the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or ceiling. Also, the force of a collision can be so great that the seat belt itself will cause bruising when restraining the body.
Symptoms
A contusion generally has five symptoms:
Discoloration, indicating the presence of bleeding
Swelling, which indicates blood, or inflammation, or both
Tightness in the muscle and/or stiffness in the nearby joint
Pain, at the injury site, and possibly the nearby joint
Limited range of motion, as the swelling and inflammation have impaired use of the muscle and the joint
If there is additional damage, as with an artery or organ, there will be other symptoms. Contusions generally leave the affected muscle and soft tissue tender and weak. Symptoms will often subside over time. However, the patient may need physical rehabilitation to recover completely and regain full normal use of the affected area.
Risk Factors
Age
People older than 50 tend to bruise more easily.
Bleeding Disorders
Some medical conditions put a person at a greater risk of suffering a contusion. Some of these conditions are hereditary; others are acquired. Hemophilia and von Willebrand’s disease are examples of congenital conditions; blood cancers, autoimmune disorders, bone marrow issues, infections, liver failure, and kidney disease are acquired conditions that lead to a greater chance of a contusion.
A deficiency of Vitamin K can also increase the risk. So can conditions involving platelet deficiencies. (Platelets are the material in our blood that enables it to form clots when a wound opens. Without them, we would never stop bleeding.) Conditions that involve poorly working blood vessels also put a person at a greater risk of a contusion.
Medication
Certain medications impair the body’s ability to produce platelets or hinder their ability to form clots. Aspirin and warfarin are examples.
Previous Injuries
If an injury fails to heal properly for whatever reason, the individual may be at greater risk of a contusion later on.
Complications
Some contusions are severe enough to cause further injury and complications. These issues are rare, but they are significant.
Active Bleeding
Active bleeding is when the area damaged by the contusion is still losing blood. If blood loss occurs at a rate of more than 1.5mL per kg per hour, it qualifies as active bleeding.
Acute Compartment Syndrome
This condition occurs when sealed compartments in the body begin to fill with blood. Depending on the location and extent of bleeding, the surrounding connective tissue or fascia is not permeable, and the fluid is trapped. Pressure builds within these compartments, causing tissue damage and intense pain. This syndrome usually occurs in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
Hematoma
A hematoma is essentially a large bruise; it generally features a swollen area where blood is pooling. It may be tender to touch and sensitive to vibration and motion.
Myositis Ossificans
This condition occurs when bone tissue begins to form inside a muscle or other soft tissue following an injury. It generally happens after a significant injury and is rare.
Prevention
There are many simple things you can do to reduce your risk of suffering a contusion. Here are some suggestions:
Wear your seat belt when traveling.
Practice healthy eating habits. Proper nutrition helps your body to heal more efficiently and can contribute to injury resilience.
Practice safe driving.
Wear protective equipment when playing sports or participating in other risky behavior.
Organize your personal space to avoid injury.
Exercise. Good muscle tone and circulation can help to limit damage when you sustain a bruise.
Diagnosis
A blow from a collision will often produce a bruise, indicating damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. However, a bruise to the bone or internal organ is not visible and can be potentially more severe and even life-threatening. When in doubt, seek immediate medical attention to address any emergent situation.
Treatment
At Radius, we employ professionals who are experts in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Our expertise lies in treating the very injuries that you sustain in a collision, whether it is an automobile accident or a work or sports injury. Initially, you will need to reduce activity that could aggravate the contused muscle; rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the general rule of thumb in the early stages of the injury.
As your body recovers and inflammation subsides, our professionals will implement a program of recovery that specifically targets the area where you need healing. Exercises that slowly increase movement and range of motion will ensure that your body recovers flexibility and utility as it heals. We also employ methods of treatment to provide healthy circulation to facilitate healing. The professionals at Radius will ensure that you are getting the best care for your particular injury. We want your quality of life to improve as soon as possible.
Choose Radius Clinic for Recovery from Contusions
At Radius, we have extensive experience helping people overcome contusions following any type of significant trauma. If you have recently suffered an injury that has caused damage to your muscle and limited your mobility, you may need help recovering strength and range of motion. If you live in the counties of Sacramento, Nevada, Placer, or El Dorado, call or stop by one of our two locations in Grass Valley or Roseville. We would be happy to examine your injury and prepare a personalized plan of recovery that will get you up and moving again at full speed.