Bruises - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A bruise or contusion or ecchymosis is a kind of injury, usually caused by blunt impact, in which the capillaries are damaged, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue. Bruising is the body's normal response to local trauma or damage. Local bruising needs investigation to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the bruising. In a bruise, or contusion, usually the result of a blow with a blunt object, there is no break in the skin but small blood vesselsunder the skin are ruptured and the internal bleeding js manifested in the typical black-and-blue mark. If a bruise is very severe or if the blow was very forceful and the bruise is immediately over a bone, there is a possibility that the bone may have been fractured, and an x-ray probably will be needed.

Minor bruises heal without special treatment. Applications of cold packs or ice in a towel, through, will help diminish the swelling, reduce pain caused by the swelling, and speed healing. A football linebacker tackles another player using his shoulder. A soccer goalie blocks the ball with her thigh. Athletes in all contact sports have many opportunities to get a muscle contusion (bruise).

Causes of Bruises

Some are causes of Bruises:

• Bruises are usually caused by bumping into something which ruptures the tiny capillaries under the skin leaving the area darkened.
• Injury
  • Normal child play - every child gets bumps and bruises.
  • Accident
  • Falls
  • Physical abuse
• One of the main causes of bruising seems to be a deficiency in certain nutrients, primarily vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, bioflavonoids, and zinc.

Treatment of Bruises

Common Treatment of Bruises:

• The treatment for light bruises is minimal. If swelling is severe, it might be reduced by applying ice or by elevating the affected area.
• During the first 24-48 hours after injury (acute phase), you will probably need to continue using rest, ice, compression bandages and elevation of the injured area to control bleeding, swelling and pain.
• If you have a large hematoma that does not go away within several days, in some cases the doctor may drain it surgically to speed healing