Hand Contusion Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

A hand  contusion, or bruising of the hand, is a mild sports injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the hand. When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged and blood leaks out under the skin causing the typical swelling and bruising seen in these injuries.

While a hand  contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to use your hand normally, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.

What Causes a Hand Contusion?

A hand contusion usually results from a direct blow to the hand. Any blunt trauma with sufficient force to propel its energy into the muscle can cause a contusion. Contusions are often the result of sports-related injuries. Hand contusions are common in these sports:

• Football
• Rugby
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Baseball
• Basketball

If you have a Hand Contusion, you may have these symptoms:

• Pain in the hand
• Ecchymoses, or ‘black and blue’ bruising or redness
• Swelling of the hand

If you have  a hand contusion you are usually able to move your hand normally but with some discomfort.

Although a hand contusion doesn’t usually require medical treatment, you may need to see your doctor to make sure that you don’t have a more serious injury. Make an appointment if you injure your hand and have swelling and pain that gets worse instead of better, have a lot of bruising or swelling in your hand, or have trouble moving your  hand. Your doctor will ask you about your injury and your symptoms and examine your hand. In order to rule out another injury, your doctor may order an  x-ray or MRI to get a better look at the bones and soft tissues of your hand.

Hand contusions are always treated non-operatively. Conservative treatments include:

• Elevating the hand above the level of your heart
• Rest, including taking a break from play and avoiding heavy lifting
• Splinting the hand
• Icing your hand (every one to two hours for 20 minutes) – The general recommendation is to avoid heat during the first 24-48 hours to avoid increasing the extent of bleeding and swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain medication, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed
• Severe contusions are often treated by a Physical Therapist or an Athletic Trainer. They are often the best people to advise you on when it is safe to return to your sport.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the exercise program.

Hand Contusion

After a hand  contusion, you may be able to restart normal activities after just a few days, though more severe contusions may require several weeks of resting your hand. You should start stretching exercises within a few days of your injury and progress as tolerated, under the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist. You can return to play once you’ve regained your full range of motion and strength in the hand