Symptoms

Redness
Bruising
Blue or dark purple skin on the affected area
Pain
Pain in the affected area

What To Expect

Depending on the localisation, other symptoms may occur. For example, a severe bruise of the eyeball may not only lead to swelling and haemorrhage of the eyelids and conjunctiva, but may also limit vision and displace the lens of the eye from its optical axis. In case of a brain bruise (contusio cerebri), unconsciousness and neurological symptoms (such as epileptic seizures, loss of smell = anosmia, speech, visual disturbances, etc.) occur. If the bruise affects a joint, an effusion may form, i.e., increased fluid is secreted into the joint cavity. If blood vessels have been destroyed, blood collects in the joint cavity (hematoma). A bruise generally heals on its own and without consequences. The same normally applies to a severe bruise (contusion). Only in exceptional cases can scarring changes occur in the area of the hemorrhage in the latter case. The healing period for a trivial bruise is usually two to three weeks, in mild cases only a few days. In the case of a bruise that is accompanied by scarring, healing may take four weeks or longer.

Made Worse By

A bruise is caused by direct blunt force from outside. This can be, for example, a blow, fall, impact, falling objects or entrapment. Very often bruises happen during sports, especially contact sports like soccer or ice hockey. But even in sports where you do not have direct contact with teammates, you can get such an injury, for example, if a tennis ball flies into your eye (eyeball contusion). Special protective clothing can reduce the risk of bruising or other, more serious (sports) injuries. For example, you should wear a helmet when biking, skiing, and inline skating, and shin guards when playing field hockey or soccer. Back protectors are recommended for snowboarders and mountain bikers.

Diagnosed By

A simple bruise generally does not require a visit to the doctor. However, if the symptoms are severe or persistent, or in order to rule out further injuries (such as a broken bone), it is necessary to see a doctor. In the case of skull bruises, medical advice should generally be sought. This is followed by a physical examination. The doctor examines the injured area and palpates it carefully. In doing so, he looks for swelling, painful pressure and restricted movement, for example. Based on the symptoms or the intensity of the pain alone, it is not possible to distinguish a bruise or a sprain from a bone fracture (fracture). Therefore, an X-ray examination is useful in any case so that a bone fracture is not overlooked. It is also important to rule out a ligament injury with certainty. In case of doubt, a CT or MRI or - in special cases - a scintigraphy may be useful.