This page is awaiting validation. It does not replace a consultation or a programme adapted to your situation.
What happens in a collision?
Impact can damage muscle fibres and small blood vessels. Bleeding and swelling may remain deep before becoming visible.
Skin can stay intact despite significant difficulty. The mechanism and loss of movement help assess the injury.
Chapter sources [1]
Understand the picture
An impact can injure deep tissues
Impact
An external force strikes the thigh.
Muscle
Fibres and small vessels may be damaged.
Haematoma
Blood may collect before bruising becomes visible.
Chapter sources [1]
Bruising, stiffness and tenderness
Pressure, knee bending, walking or sitting may hurt. The muscle can become swollen and difficult to stretch.
Bruising may develop later or spread. Its appearance does not replace monitoring pain and ability to use the leg.
Chapter sources [1]
Why mention medicines?
Anticoagulants can increase bleeding after trauma. Tell the clinician about these medicines and any known bleeding disorder.
Do not stop prescribed medicine yourself. Significant or increasing swelling needs prompt advice.
Chapter sources [1]
When is it urgent?
Escalating severe pain, a tense thigh, tingling or weakness may indicate dangerous pressure within the muscle. Seek urgent help.
Major difficulty bearing weight or moving after impact also needs prompt assessment. Do not force the leg to finish a match.
The role of assessment
The clinician examines the area, movement and function, considering fractures or other injuries where appropriate.
Imaging may clarify a haematoma or persistent problem. Not every small bruise needs a scan, and imaging alone does not clear you for sport.
Chapter sources [1]
Early adaptations
Avoid further impacts and aggravating effort. Wrapped cold may briefly ease discomfort when circulation and skin sensation are normal.
Do not apply ice directly or tighten a bandage excessively. Ask for advice if circulation or sensation is impaired.
Chapter sources [1]
Why avoid deep massage?
Strong pressure or aggressive stretching can irritate recently injured tissues. Trying to “break up” a fresh bruise is not an initial treatment goal.
Gentle movement can be considered as symptoms settle. Persistent lumps or stiffness need reassessment for possible complications.
Chapter sources [1]
In everyday life
After a sports collision
Stop contact
Protect the leg from another blow.
Monitor function
Follow walking, bending and swelling.
Act on deterioration
Increasing pain calls for reassessment, sometimes urgently.
Chapter sources [1]
Walking and working
Shorten journeys and choose seating that presses less on the injury. Support may help if you limp or risk falling.
Temporarily moving a task can avoid repeated stairs. Adaptation aims to retain suitable activity, rather than enforce complete rest.
Chapter sources [3]
Restoring strength and contact sport
Gradually restore movement, strength and sporting skills. Walking and other tasks should become comfortable and controlled.
For contact sport, consider the risk of another blow. Any protective equipment should suit the situation.
Chapter sources [1]
When should it be checked again?
A mild contusion may improve quickly; deep bleeding and stiffness can take longer. There is no universal recovery time.
A hard lump, decreasing knee bend or persistent pain needs review. Rarely, bone can form within muscle after a contusion.
Chapter sources [1]
Your questions
Is changing bruise colour always concerning?
Colour often changes during recovery. Increasing pain or swelling matters more and needs advice.
Chapter sources [1]
Can I use a massage roller?
Avoid strong pressure on a fresh contusion. Discuss when any comfort techniques might be appropriate.
Chapter sources [1]
Must every haematoma be drained?
No. A clinician decides if a procedure is necessary. Never try to puncture or drain it yourself.
Chapter sources [1]
When should I not wait?
Seek urgent help for escalating severe pain, a tense leg, numbness or weakness.
Chapter sources [2]
Sources and references
- [1] AAOS OrthoInfo: Muscle Contusion (Bruise)
- [2] NHS: Compartment syndrome
- [3] IQWiG: Muskelzerrung und Muskelfaserriss
- [4] NHS: DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- [5] CGDIS: Appeler le 112
Text updated on
Medical review: awaiting Hasib Selimovic.