Contusion Treatment in MA & RI
A contusion is a bruise and a very common soft tissue injury. Most are minor, and contusion healing time is usually quick.. When contusions are severe, they can cause deep tissue damage – recovery from a severe contusion injury can take several weeks. If you have a contusion or bruise that needs immediate medical care, you can rely on the exceptional medical services provided by Southcoast Health Urgent Care Center in Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Fall River, Lakeville, Seekonk, Wareham, MA and Middletown, RI. We will treat your injury with exceptional care tailored precisely to you.
Risk Factors for Bruising
A contusion results from contact with blunt force, such as a fall or direct blow. The force crushes small blood vessels under the skin, and sometimes the muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. Your body normally stops the bleeding quickly, but a small amount of blood often leaks into surrounding tissues and under the skin, forming a visible bruise.
The following risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of bruising easily:
- Age greater than 50
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin)
- Bleeding disorders due to liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or an inherited condition
- Blood vessel defects
- Platelet disorders
Contusion Symptoms
Symptoms of a contusion may include pain, swelling, and skin color changes. These color changes are the result of leaked blood trapped under the skin. Contusions generally go through phases as your body breaks down the blood and gets rid of it.
You may notice the following after a blunt force injury, which suggests that a contusion is present:
- Bruises often start as red or purplish marks that may be swollen and tender.
- After a couple of days, the bruise may turn blue or blackish.
- Within five to 10 days, the bruise appears green or yellow.
- After about two weeks, the bruise fades to brown and will continue to fade until it completely resolves.
How We Treat Contusions at Southcoast Health Urgent Care Center
Most contusions will fade on their own. In fact, you may not even realize you have one until well after you experience a minor bump or blow. If you notice the bruise or injury right away, you can help speed healing by using the RICE method:
- Rest
- Ice using cold packs for 20 minutes at a time
- Compression with an ace wrap
- Elevation above the level of the heart
Over-the-counter pain relievers may also improve your comfort.
When to Call a Doctor
Come to your closest Southcoast Health Urgent Care Center location or contact your doctor if you notice any of the following with your bruise:
- A lump forms over the bruise
- Abnormal bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in the urine or stool
- Frequent or very large or painful contusions
- Pain persists for more than three days
- Severe pain or swelling in the injured area
Comprehensive Urgent Care Centers Near You in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
If you are seeking medical help for a contusion or other injury that requires urgent treatment, our doctors at Southcoast Health are here for you. We are proud to offer expert care for contusions in patients of all ages at our urgent care centers across southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. To learn more or to find a doctor near you, please contact us today.