A bone bruise refers to a bone injury that does not show up on an X-ray. Although no fracture is present, a bone bruise can be an extremely painful injury and can last up to a month in some cases. Although the injury is painful, there are usually no lasting side effects, and the problem often heals without any treatment. However, there are more serious conditions that are also called bone bruises, such as bone injuries caused by trauma. These types of bone bruises are often associated with serious injuries, such as ligament tears.
Because the symptoms of a hematoma are similar to those of a fracture, it is not uncommon for it to be misdiagnosed. Both are very painful and often cause significant swelling in the area. However, with modern X-ray technology, it is usually possible to distinguish between the two by looking for evidence of a fracture. In the past, a bone bruise would commonly be treated like a fracture. Still, it's often a good idea to get a bruise scan to check for a break.
There are several different ways a bruise can occur. The most common is through a direct traumatic injury. For example, a strong impact caused by a fall or blow during a sports game can often cause a bruise. Regular bruises go away relatively quickly, but a bone bruise often takes longer to heal. The reason a bone bruise occurs is that the top layer of the bone is damaged with many small cracks instead of a single fracture.
Treatment for a bone bruise is often not required as the symptoms will go away naturally over time. However, there are methods that can speed up the healing process. For example, freezing the affected area can reduce swelling and decrease the time it takes for the bruise to heal. Resting the injured area is also essential for a quick and complete recovery.
Prevention of a bone bruise is often difficult because these injuries occur accidentally and suddenly. Although true prevention is impossible, it is possible to reduce severity immediately after an impact occurs. Icing the area for about 10 minutes, taking care not to cause frostbite, will often reduce overall recovery time. If the injury is sustained during athletic competition, the athlete must stop playing immediately to prevent further damage.