A leg or lower leg bruise is a mild sports injury that can occur due to a direct impact on the lower leg. When a bruise or contusion occurs, the small blood vessels get damaged, and blood leaks out under the skin, causing the typical thigh swelling and bruising 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 direct blow to the lower leg from an object or another person. Any blunt trauma to the leg 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 ensure 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 swelling/pain that gets worse instead of better, have a lot of bruising or swelling/hematoma of your leg, or have difficulty weight bearing. Your doctor will ask about your injury and symptoms and examine your leg. To rule out another injury, your doctor may order an X-ray or MRI to better look at your lower leg’s bones and soft tissues.
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/
Yes, most individuals can still walk with a leg contusion, especially if the injury is mild. Crutches may help briefly, but mobility returns quickly with rest and support.
Leg contusions are treated non-surgically. Simple steps like icing, elevating, rest, and over-the-counter pain relief are usually enough for a full recovery.
Absolutely. Most athletes safely return to play once the swelling is down and strength returns. Physical therapists often guide a smooth transition back into training.
In most cases, no. Leg contusions rarely cause long-term issues. You can expect a full recovery and return to your regular routine without complications with proper care.
