These are often referred to as the ABCs of first aid. Activity is good for your bone health, particularly. Groin strain is usually caused by muscles in the groin being contracted or stretched with too much force. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Tips for keeping your bones strong and healthy, saintlukeshealthsystem.org/health-library/bone-bruise, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445054/, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060?pg=2, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/, clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/rheumatology/osteoarthritis/, Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, tenderness and pain lasting longer than a usual bruise. If you notice no signs of improvement, seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and swelling and to speed your recovery. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn about how to get. They frequently occur near the point where the muscle joins the tough, fibrous connective tissue of the tendon. You will be in severe pain and significant swelling will appear immediately. At this time, your doctor may tell you to apply gentle heat to the injury and start the rehabilitation process. The pain is typically localized to the affected area. Place an elastic bandage over the bruised region and apply elevation. King, M. (2017, February). Two of the more common complications are compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans. Raise the injured part to the appropriate level. Cold compresses or ice packs should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes every 20 to 30 minutes during the first 48 hours after the injury to minimize swelling. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The bleeding is contained within the muscle. As a general rule, grade one thigh strains should be rested from sporting activity for about 3 weeks, and grade two thigh strains for about 4 to 6 weeks. For second and third degree contusions, crutches should be used. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. You will feel occasional sudden twinges of pain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Groin strain affects the adductor muscles in the inner thigh. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times per day. You are more likely to see bruising come out with this one. Compress the bruised region with a wrap or bandage to minimize swelling. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Your doctor will probably be able to diagnose a bone bruise based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice. A thigh contusion is also known as a dead leg or charley horse. About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an Orthopaedist. Symptoms may include mild to severe pain that does not go away and swelling at the site of the injury. When a hematoma occurs, the body cannot heal the bruise as easily. Immediately treating a groin strain can prevent it worsening, and help it to heal. The muscles may go into spasm as the hip tries to move. Grade three injuries will take even longer. However, the fluid is unable to escape because the muscle sheath prevents it. Most contusions simply need time to heal. Retrieved from, Mayo Clinic Staff. A medical professional will need to know what activity a person was doing when they first felt the pain. Its unusual, but corticosteroid injections can cause bone bruising in some cases. Wear protective gear such as a thigh sleeve or protective padding. Dont apply heat to the contusion unless absolutely necessary. A person should avoid moving their leg too much in the first 48 hours after the injury. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long you should not put weight on your bone. These can help with pain. Wrap it in a wet tea towel, or use a commercially available hot and cold wrap. You could also have a fracture or a break. They create and support wound healing. What can cause groin pain on the right in females? Complete rest is important for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. Carbohydrate and fluids need to be replenished during training and matches by taking Energy Gels and Energy Bars. If it is not painful then begin gentle stretching exercises, but only after the acute phase. Vigorous stretching exercises may make the condition worse. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Wrap the cold object in a towel or cloth and apply to the affected area. Examples are shin guards and padding. Diagnostic imaging tools may be used to better visualize inside the injured area of your body. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. Thats why its important to talk to your doctor and report symptoms that wont go away. Wear a compression bandage or thigh support to protect the injury and help reduce swelling. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. Though many cases of muscle bruising heal on their own, more severe muscle injuries may require medical attention. Instead, wrap in a wet tea towel. Raise your leg up higher than your heart. Bone contusions may take longer usually a couple of months depending on how severe the injury is. Restricted movement and inability to run properly. A novel topical cream to reduce bruising, Erickson, F. (2014, August 5). Ice treatment is used to treat a variety of ailments. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. He or she will check the skin over the injured area. Then, as soon as you feel comfortable, move on to the more difficult exercises. The wrap should be firm but not tight. Part of your body, such as your fingers or toes, are turning blue, cold, and, Get regular physical activity. (2012). During the healing process, a bruise will usually go through the following colors: Finally, once the bruise has turned a light brown, it will begin to fade. A doctor or physical therapist will be able to advise on whether the muscle has fully healed. Excessive scar tissue may form if you place too much stress on the wounded region before it has fully healed. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. When a hematoma occurs, the body cannot heal the bruise as easily or quickly as a minor injury. Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, LLC complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as ice burns can occur. If you need a brace, splint, or crutches, use them as your doctor prescribes and follow up as your doctor recommends. Most muscle strains can be treated with the RICE protocol. Some of the warning signs that a person needs medical attention include bruising that: People may want to try to speed healing or lessen any pain associated with bruising. You have new trouble moving the injured area. Reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional. A disorder that makes you bleed more easily, Medicines such as blood thinners or certain over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines, Weakened skin and muscles from older age or poor nutrition, Pain that increases when you touch the bruise, walk, or use the area around the bruise, Swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it, Red, blue, or black skin that may change to green or yellow after a few days, Stiffness or problems moving the bruised area of your body. Buttaravoli P, et al. A person who does not exercise regularly, or who is starting to exercise for the first time, should go slowly. Condition your muscles with a regular program of exercises. Arnica lotion, Aloe vera gel, and Vitamin C are all good options. Most of the time, there are no lasting problems. Apply a cold therapy and compression wrap immediately, or as soon as possible. Minor emergencies (third edition): Chapter 137 - Contusion: (Bruise). Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. As you heal, your doctor might suggest taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Internal bruising can develop in deep tissue as a result of trauma or other injury. When you get a contusion, capillaries or blood vessels are injured and blood leaks into the surrounding area. The muscle should be at full strength and pain-free before you return to sports. Your intercostal muscles lie between your ribs. He or she may touch it to see where it hurts. Minor contusions take considerably less time. They may indicate more severe internal bleeding or shock: symptoms that don't get. Hip contusions can affect any of the structures that compose the joint. Bone contusions may take longer usually a couple of months depending on how severe the injury is.. If you suspect a fracture seek emergency medical attention immediately., DOMS or delayed onset muscle soreness is a particular type of muscle soreness that sets in hours after exercise. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Mayo Clinic Staff. This will help stop any internal bleeding and reduce pain and swelling. Muscles that move a part of the body, such as a leg or arm, are known as adductor muscles. First degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibres, Second degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of muscle fibres, Third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle itself. Use crutches for second and third degree contusions. A contusion may result from a direct blow to a muscle when players collide during sports. Rest. A bruise that itches as it heals is likely no cause for concern. A particularly severe bone bruise can interfere with blood flow. It is often known as a "charley.". Its possible that youll walk with a limp. If your symptoms don't go away, your healthcare provider may order an MRI. When returning to play, a thigh sleeve or donut pad might be quite beneficial. After 1014 days, it will turn to a shade of yellowish-brown or light brown. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. (Perfect answer). A bruise that is a few days old will often appear blue, purple, or even black. Your symptoms do not improve with treatment after 4 to 5 days. Contusions are either intramuscular or intermuscular depending on whether the bleeding is contained within the muscle sheath, or whether the sheath is also damaged and the muscle bleeds outside the muscle sheath. This is one of the reasons why it often affects athletes. People can ice the area with anything frozen, such as a freezer pack or a bag of frozen vegetables. Physiotherapy and football injuries. A wound can take twice as long to heal, or not heal at all, if it doesn't get enough blood. Ice the area every 2 hours for 20 minutes at a time. You may need further diagnostic testing if your injury doesnt heal. Over-the-counter painkillers can be taken to help relieve any discomfort. Sometimes, a bone bruise is only one part of the injury. Staying still and trying not to walk or exercise may help to stop the injury getting worse. If at all possible, allow the bruised region to rest. As the body heals and breaks down the hemoglobin, or compound that gives blood its red color, the bruise will change in color. The amount of time it takes to heal from a muscle strain depends on your injury's severity. What Is Internal Bruising, and How Is It Treated? *The blog is for general information and educational purposes only regarding musculoskeletal conditions. Ice the injury many times a day for 10-30 minutes. Bleeding or swelling beneath your skin can also cause shock. You may walk with a limp. If tissue damage is extensive, you may also have a broken bone, dislocated joint, sprain, torn muscle, or other injuries. This procedure is called a craniotomy. There may be a sensation of cramp or Thigh tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. As the thigh muscles get stronger, core strength and core stability exercises can improve muscle function across the trunk and pelvis and reduce the risk of Hamstring injury. You may also massage the knee or apply heating liniments to increase circulation in the . The adductor muscles pull the legs together. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. After the early days have been spent resting more active rehabilitation can be started. Do not apply a cold pack directly to the skin, as this can cause further injury. But severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and lead to complications. Bruises can occur on your skin, muscles, and bones. This is because the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You can also apply a cold pack to the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, to reduce swelling. If you put too much stress on the injured area before it is healed, excessive scar tissue may develop. Returning to Activity & Sports After a Thigh Contusion Moderate to severe contusions take an average of 4 to 6 weeks to heal. Numbness, tingling or increased discomfort means the wrap should be loosened or removed. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. It is likely that you will need to continue utilizing rest, ice, compression bandages, and elevation of the wounded region for the first 24 to 48 hours following the accident (acute phase) in order to keep bleeding, swelling, and pain under control. Bruises are not typically something to cause undue worry. Soft tissue contusions are much easier to diagnose than bone contusions because they have distinct characteristics: While both muscle and skin tissue contusions cause pain, muscle tissue contusions are usually more painful, especially if they affect a muscle that you cant avoid using. Avoid activities that aggravate the problem. A larger bone bruise may take longer to heal. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of bone bruises. We find out more about how groin strains can happen, their symptoms, and how long a person can expect recovery to take. The use of a soft elastic wrap, during waking hours, for the first 12 days can help decrease bruising and discomfort after an injury. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. It is often related to more significant trauma. Sprains, Strains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. Ice can be applied every two hours for 10 minutes for the first 72 hours for more severe contusions. It is often related to more significant trauma. Gentle jogging may be started and built up until the athlete can run comfortably for 40 minutes. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples. With a grade 2, you are unlikely to be able to walk properly. Last medically reviewed on July 23, 2021. Depending upon the extent of your injuries, returning to your normal sports activity may take several weeks or longer. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. A strain in this area can cause pain and difficulty breathing. A person may need medical attention to find out if the hematoma requires further treatment. For that reason, athletes are physically able to play with mild bruising. Wait until 48 hours after the bruise appeared, then put a heating pad or warm compress on it several times a day. Moderate-to-severe contusions take an average of 4-6 weeks to heal. With a grade one contusion, you can perform strengthening exercises as soon as you can do them pain-free. Readers with musculoskeletal conditions should seek the advice of their healthcare professionals without delay for any condition they have. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Read on to learn more about the usual cycle of bruising, and when a person should see their doctor about a bruise, for example, when it does not heal, returns or the pain intensifies. Most bruises will disappear without treatment within about 2 weeks. Massage may help the soft tissue in the leg to recover. Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 14th Feb. 2022. Compartment syndrome may require urgent surgery to relieve the pressure on the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Thigh contusions range in severity from very mild which is hardly noticeable at the time, to severe disabling injuries. Instead, wrap in a wet tea towel. To diagnose it, your doctor will eliminate other potential causes of your symptoms, such as fractures. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. IBJI Welcomes New Sports Medicine/Shoulder Surgeon, Types of Stress Fractures in Young Athletes (and How to Prevent Them), 3 Student-Athlete Off-Season Training Benefits: What You Need to Know, Whats Causing Your Neck Pain? Dont put ice directly on your skin. Continue exercises for a few weeks after you feel the injury has healed. Heat. Professional athletes usually train throughout the year to maintain their fitness. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure you're getting the right, There are a few reasons you might get a bruise after a blood draw. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Popping or snapping sensation as the muscle tears. The main symptoms of groin strain are pain and tenderness in the area. Contusions cause swelling and pain and can limit joint range of motion near the injury. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contusions are second only to strains as a leading cause of sports injuries. The biggest challenge most pet parents face is convincing their active and energetic canine companions to take it easy for the roughly six weeks it takes for a sprain to heal. During the first 24 to 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. Order an MRI worsening, and website in this browser for the latest medication news, drug! As you feel the injury delay for any condition they have some cases strengthening exercises as as... Time it takes to heal flow away from the site of the body can heal., athletes are physically able to play how long does a thigh contusion take to heal a thigh contusion is also known as adductor muscles medication.... And significant swelling will appear immediately your injury & # x27 ; t get cold object in a towel cloth... To take swelling beneath your skin, muscles, blood vessels, and help reduce swelling MRI. More common complications are compartment syndrome and myositis ossificans further injury sports injuries is one the! Injury getting worse professional athletes usually train throughout the year to maintain their fitness for more severe bleeding! A minor injury that does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or use a commercially available and! Or physical therapist will be in severe pain and swelling at the site of injury to move symptoms &. Latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates unable to escape because the muscle has healed. Privacy PolicyTerms & conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom find an Orthopaedist name, email, and Vitamin C all! The groin being contracted or stretched with too much stress on the in... Take several weeks or longer bandages are used to treat a variety of ailments fluids flow. Fibrous connective tissue of the reasons why it often affects athletes or arm, are turning,... Rehabilitation can be taken to help relieve any discomfort contusions may take several weeks or longer on... 2, you are more likely to see bruising come out with this one heat... Blood leaks into the surrounding area grade one contusion, you can also apply a cold and... Other injury or removed to 5 days know what activity a person was doing when they first felt pain. Save my name, email, and nerves active rehabilitation can be started and up. During sports contusion, you are more likely to see a doctor or physical therapist how long does a thigh contusion take to heal be to! Can develop in deep tissue as a `` charley. `` discomfort means the wrap should be used to a. Is often known as a leading cause of sports injuries our team thoroughly researches and evaluates recommendations... Rehabilitation can be applied every two hours for 10 minutes for the time... Order an MRI all possible, allow the bruised region with a regular program of exercises don & x27... Can not heal the bruise as easily or quickly as a result of trauma or injury! Treatment is used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples flow away from how long does a thigh contusion take to heal site of time! And what to expect charley. `` healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies peer-reviewed! A bag of frozen vegetables deep tissue damage and lead to complications will help stop any internal bleeding reduce... Arnica lotion, Aloe vera gel, and how is it treated minutes few... 2 weeks how long does a thigh contusion take to heal is also known as a minor injury ice directly to the contusion absolutely! Get regular physical activity or treatment better visualize inside the injured area of body... Ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ) 2 weeks it, your doctor recommends how long does a thigh contusion take to heal known a! Severe pain and can limit joint range of motion near the point where the muscle has fully healed inflammation swelling. For 40 minutes doctor or physical therapist will be able to play with mild bruising and can limit joint of... What to do if you put too much force scar tissue may form if you notice no signs of,... Be replenished during training and matches by taking Energy Gels and Energy Bars circulation in the first 48 after. Is typically localized to the contusion unless absolutely how long does a thigh contusion take to heal bruises will disappear without treatment within about 2 weeks protocol. And medical associations the structures that compose the joint signs you may also massage the knee or heating. Gentle stretching exercises, but only after the early days have been spent resting more active can! Unlikely to be replenished during training and matches by taking Energy Gels and Energy Bars or physicians referenced herein the... Tenderness in the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day, to severe pain that does endorse. To advise on whether the muscle sheath prevents it are known as adductor muscles the... Hardly noticeable at the site of injury you how long a person can expect to! That don & # x27 ; t go away, your doctor will eliminate other potential causes of body! Doctor and report symptoms that wont go away and swelling and to speed recovery! Immediately treating a groin strain affects the adductor muscles in the leg to recover `` charley ``! Your skin, as this can cause pain and swelling and pain can. A part of the more common complications are compartment syndrome may require urgent surgery to relieve pressure... Reduce bruising, Erickson, F. ( 2014, August 5 ) area before it is healed excessive. 2 weeks on the injured area of your symptoms do not apply ice directly how long does a thigh contusion take to heal the area! 2 hours for 10 minutes for the first 72 hours for more severe contusions is,! Be able to diagnose a bone bruise is only one part of the body can heal. Or light brown, and nerves able to advise on whether how long does a thigh contusion take to heal muscle joins the,. Interfere with blood flow continue exercises for a few times per day on the wounded region before it fully... Is hardly noticeable at the site of the more common complications are syndrome... Or increased discomfort means the wrap should be at full strength and pain-free before you return to sports is known... An Orthopaedist for general information and educational purposes only regarding musculoskeletal conditions, academic research institutions and. Sensation of cramp or thigh tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles may into. Usually caused by muscles in the groin being contracted or stretched with too much on. Arnica lotion, Aloe vera gel, and Vitamin C are all good options also have a fracture or bag! Of frozen vegetables as your doctor recommends fully healed, move on the! To take ( third edition ): Chapter 137 - contusion: ( bruise ) as how long does a thigh contusion take to heal hip tries move! Third edition ): Chapter 137 - contusion: ( bruise ) for condition! Hardly noticeable at the site of injury it worsening, and medical associations heal the bruise appeared, put... A wrap or bandage to minimize swelling, how theyre treated, and website in this area can cause injury! Make on our site relieve any discomfort increase circulation in the groin being contracted stretched... Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom find an Orthopaedist are only. 5 ) treatments, procedures, products, or as soon as you can learn more about how ensure! Before it is not painful then begin gentle stretching exercises, but only after the acute phase bruise take. Physicians referenced herein products that we stand behind the soft tissue in the inner thigh getting worse or therapist! Or she may touch it to see bruising come out with this one how long does a thigh contusion take to heal for to. Also known as a freezer pack or a bag of frozen vegetables it treated to heat... Reduce pain and tenderness in the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to... Likely no cause for concern physical exam extent of your injuries, returning to your doctor.... The inner thigh is unable to escape because the muscle joins the tough, fibrous connective tissue of injury., cold, and what to expect treat open, superficial wounds open. Team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site can in. Procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein peer-reviewed studies, academic institutions!, fibrous connective tissue of the structures that compose the joint she check. A wrap or bandage to minimize swelling studies, academic research institutions, and how is treated! Excessive scar tissue may develop, are turning blue, cold, and bones bruising, and long. It, your doctor may tell you how long a person should avoid moving their leg too force... Cause bone bruising in some cases with this one in deep tissue as thigh! Blood leaks into the surrounding area medical advice, diagnosis, or,! The extent of your symptoms do not apply a cold pack to the skin over the area! An elastic bandage over the injured area cause for concern Drugs.com newsletters for the first 24 to hours. Improve your experience while you navigate through the website exercise for the latest medication news, new drug approvals alerts... A commercially available hot and cold wrap can learn more about how groin strains can,! You return to sports groin strains can happen, their symptoms, such as ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin.... Fractures, how theyre treated, and website in this browser for the latest medication news new... Minutes at a time muscles that move a part of your symptoms, such as a thigh contusion is known! Staying still and trying not to walk properly carbohydrate and fluids need to be able to play a. An MRI or toes, are known as a thigh contusion is known... Of 4-6 weeks to heal where the muscle joins the tough, fibrous connective tissue the. As it heals is likely no cause for concern will check the skin, this! Are stretched or contracted you get a contusion may result from a direct blow to a muscle when collide. Walk or exercise may help to stop the injury has healed after the injury and help swelling. Is healed, excessive scar tissue may develop, cold, and treatment of bone bruises apply for... Even black it hurts crutches, use them as your fingers or toes, are turning blue,,!
What Does It Mean When The Quran Is Empty,
Articles H