A leg contusion, or lower leg bruise, is a mild sports injury that can occur as a result of a direct impact to the lower leg. When a bruised leg 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 leg contusion is uncomfortable and may temporarily make it difficult to walk, it’s an injury that typically resolves quickly.
A leg contusion usually results from a blunt leg injury to the lower leg from an object or another person. Any lower leg trauma or direct blow with sufficient force to propel its energy into the muscle can cause a contusion. Contusions are often the result of sports-related injuries. Leg contusions are common in sports, especially in the following:
If you have a leg contusion, you may have these symptoms:
If you have a bruised leg and not a more serious injury, such as a fracture or broken leg, you are usually able to put some pressure on your leg and walk on it, although you may need crutches for a short period of time.
Although a leg 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 if you have severe pain or difficulty walking. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you injure your lower leg and have leg swelling or pain that gets worse instead of better, have a lot of bruising or swelling of your leg, or have difficulty weightbearing. Your doctor will ask you about your injury and your symptoms and examine your leg. 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 lower leg.
Leg contusions are always treated nonoperatively. Conservative treatments include:
Severe bruised leg injuries 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.
Leg contusions or bruised leg injuries are never treated surgically.
After a leg contusion, you may be able to restart normal activities after just a few days, though more severe contusions may require several weeks of rest. The area of the bruised leg may remain swollen for many weeks after the injury. You should start stretching exercises within a few days of your injury and progress to strengthening and weight-bearing exercises, under the guidance of your doctor or physical therapist. The area of the bruised leg may remain swollen for many weeks after the injury, but you can return to play once you’ve regained your full range of motion and strength in your ankle and knee.
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise/
Some fractures present with symptoms similar to a bruised leg, such as pain and swelling. If symptoms worsen over time or you can’t bear weight, it’s crucial to consult a doctor to rule out a more severe blunt leg injury like a fracture.
Immediate care should begin within the first few hours to minimize leg swelling. Icing and elevation are most effective during the first 24–48 hours. Delay in care may prolong recovery time.
Recovery depends on the severity of the bruised leg. Mild contusions can resolve in days, while more serious blunt leg injuries might take several weeks of rest and physical therapy.
Yes. A healing bruise typically changes color from reddish to purplish-blue, then green or yellow as your body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood under the skin. This is a normal part of the healing process and is usually nothing to worry about unless accompanied by worsening pain or swelling.
