How to Treat a Bone Contusion

A bone contusion, or bruise, appears when a bone is injured but not actually fractured or broken and bleeding occurs under the bone's covering known as the periosteum. Bone contusions usually result from a hard hit or fall to the injured member. These injuries generally hurt a great deal and last about a week to two weeks. However, if you move the injured bone frequently, you may feel the pain for a longer period of time.

Instructions

1. Rest the affected bone. Try to use the injured areas as little as possible and avoid activities that could reinjure the bone.

2. Apply cold compresses to the area to reduce any swelling that may occur in the area.

3. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

4. Request pain medication from a doctor if the pain is too great to endure.

5. Resist over-using the area that is injured before it has healed.

References

• Md Guidelines: Contusions
• Cleveland Cavaliers Trainng Time: Bone Bruises
• FreeMd: Knee Contusion Definition