Leg Contusion(Bruise) Causes Symptoms and Treatment Options

A leg   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 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 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 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 the following;

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

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

• Pain in the lower leg
• Ecchymoses, or ‘black and blue’ bruising and/or redness.
• Swelling in the area of the injury
• Mild Difficulty weight bearing  

If you have a leg bruise 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 swelling/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:

• Elevating the leg above the level of your heart
• Crutches or a cane
• Rest, including taking a break from play
• Icing your lower leg in the area of the injury (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.

Leg contusions or Leg bruises 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 buise may remain swollen for many weeks after the injury buYou 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 buise 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 of your ankle and knee.