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Home :: Leg Contusion, Lower Leg
Leg Contusion, Lower Leg
Bruising of the skin and underlying tissues of the lower leg due to a direct blow. Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate muscles, tendons or other soft tissue. The lower leg is particularly susceptible to contusions because it is frequently exposed to direct blows. If the blow is over the tibia (shin bone), it is much more likely to be severe.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
- Lower-leg tissues, including blood vessels, muscles, tendons, nerves, covering to bone (periosteum) and connective tissue.
- The peroneal nerve where it wraps around the upper portion of the fibula. Injury to the nerve can lead to painful neuritis or temporary paralysis and a dropped foot.
Causes
Direct blow to the leg, usually from a blunt object.
Signs & Symptoms
- Swelling-either superficial or deep.
- Pain at the contusion site.
- Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted on the injury.
- Tenderness.
- Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
- Restricted leg function proportional to the extent of injury.
- Feeling an "electric shock" followed by temporary muscle paralysis,causing the foot to drop.
Treatment
Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.
- Wrap an elasticized bandage over a sponge rubber donut on the injured area. Keep the area compressed for about 72 hours.
- Continue ice massage. Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage gently over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time,3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
- After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, heat liniments or ointments, or whirlpool treatments.
- Massage gently and often to provide comfort
and decrease swelling.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe:
- For minor discomfort, you may use :-
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Topical liniments and ointments.
- Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine
for pain.
Home Diet
Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs.Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.
Prevention Tips
Wear appropriate protective devices, such as an elastic bandage over felt or sponge rubber, if there is risk of a lower-leg contusion during athletic activity.
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