Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. They may indicate more severe internal bleeding or shock: symptoms that don't get. With a grade 2, you are unlikely to be able to walk properly. Its unusual, but corticosteroid injections can cause bone bruising in some cases. Readers with musculoskeletal conditions should seek the advice of their healthcare professionals without delay for any condition they have. Bone injuries can take longer to heal if you smoke . The individual should raise the affected area to a comfortable position. Heat and massage may slow healing. This is a condition in which bone forms in the injured muscle. Fascia blasting has become a popular technique for loosening the fascia and treating conditions like pain and cellulite. Repeated blows to major muscle groups or trauma to parts of your body can result in mild bruising. Isometric exercises while using ice will control hemorrhaging. Attempting to straighten your knee against resistance is unlikely to result in significant discomfort. Its possible to bruise any bone, but its more likely to happen to bones that are close to your skins surface. Groin strain should be treated quickly, ideally in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. If at all possible, allow the bruised region to rest. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Bruises happen when an injury causes damage to blood vessels below the skin. You may need further diagnostic testing if your injury doesnt heal. At this time, your doctor may tell you to apply gentle heat to the injury and start the rehabilitation process. In this article, we look at how to identify a muscle strain and how to treat it at home. Mild muscular contusion injuries can be treated with gentle, progressive, painless stretching of the muscle. Groin strains are graded with numbers 1 to 3, depending on how serious the injury is: Groin strain can be diagnosed by a doctor or a physical therapist. You can also bruise your bone if you twist your ankle or wrist. Make sure its not too tight. In rare cases, bruising can indicate more serious conditions including: Bruising takes on many colors as the body works to heal an injury. Contusions occur when a direct blow or repeated blows by a blunt object strike part of the body, crushing underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. Use a hot water bottle, heat pack, or hot bath. If you have a bone contusion, your doctor might suggest additional treatment, including: Never try to drain the blood from a contusion with a needle or other sharp object. If at all feasible, elevate the afflicted region above the level of your heart. A contusion may result from a direct blow to a muscle when players collide during sports. Complete rest is important for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. For more information, please contact us today. Available for Android and iOS devices. Sources of calcium include dairy products, broccoli, and kale. The blood vessels between the skin and other tissues in the body burst. The thigh has three sets of strong muscles: the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles in the front, and the adductor muscles on the inside. If you go to your doctor for an injury, they might tell you that you have a contusion. An ice pack should be held on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 hours. The more severe ones can take several months to heal. Repeat multiple times a day for a day or two, depending on how much time is needed. Last medically reviewed on February 23, 2018, Anyone can get a muscle strain. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. Vigorous stretching exercises may make the condition worse. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When you have normal, pain-free range of motion, your doctor may let you return to non-contact sports. Professional athletes usually train throughout the year to maintain their fitness. If the bone bruise is in your leg or foot, elevate your leg to help ease swelling. The injured muscle may feel weak and stiff. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. So 2 to 3 times per week is OK. With a grade two thigh contusion, it may be a week before you can begin strengthening. This is likely to involve feeling the muscle and gently moving the leg. Wear a compression bandage or thigh support to protect the injury and help reduce swelling. (2010, August). 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (2012, August 17). Cold compresses or ice packs should be applied for 20 to 30 minutes every 20 to 30 minutes during the first 48 hours after the injury to minimize swelling. Grade 2 strains may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal fully. A similar injury occurs if there is a direct blow to the muscle. This could be indication of a more serious injury. Returning to Activity & Sports After a Thigh Contusion Moderate to severe contusions take an average of 4 to 6 weeks to heal. Keep the contusion away from direct heat. You may also have to avoid certain physical activities and sports until youre fully healed. Restricted movement and inability to run properly. Wrap thigh with a wet bandage to insulate skin (ace bandage). A person should seek medical attention any time they have the following symptoms or issues associated with bruising: Those taking prescription blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), should notify their doctor if they experience any falls or signficant injuries. Examples are shin guards and padding. Minor emergencies (third edition): Chapter 137 - Contusion: (Bruise). What are the risk factors for bone bruises? This can result in a variety of symptoms, such as pain. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 11 Jan 2023), ASHP (updated 11 Jan 2023) and others. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper. The use of crutches may be necessary for moderate to severe contusions in order to guarantee total rest, particularly if full weight bearing on the afflicted leg is uncomfortable. Frequently ice the injury for 10-30 minutes. Dont apply heat to the contusion unless absolutely necessary. First degree strain is damage to a few muscle fibres, Second degree strain is damage to a more extensive number of muscle fibres, Third degree strain is a complete rupture of the muscle itself. This type of injury is most common in direct contact sports. You may walk with a limp. Mayo Clinic Staff. A contusion is just the medical term for a bruise. Here we explain the, A Rectus femoris tendon strain is a tear of the tendon of one of the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh. Core strength exercises using a Swiss Ball and Resistance Bands are ideal for a quick return to functional activity. Groin strains are not usually severe, but they may take a long time to heal depending on the degree of injury. As a general rule, grade one thigh strains should be rested from sporting activity for about 3 weeks, and grade two thigh strains for about 4 to 6 weeks. In sports, a bruised muscle is the second-leading cause of sports injuries behind muscle strains. You may need any of the following: Copyright Merative 2022 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. A wound can take twice as long to heal, or not heal at all, if it doesn't get enough blood. Osteoarthritis. A contusion is a bruise that appears on your skin after an injury. This is a regular part of the healing process. Later, a neoprene heat retainer helps support the muscle, encouraging blood flow and healing. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. Re-entering the world of physical activity and sports Following a Thigh Contusion Mild-to-severe contusions heal in 4 to 6 weeks on average, with some cases taking longer. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and swelling and to speed your recovery. However, skin color affects the appearance of a bruise. You may also notice one after having your blood drawn or receiving intravenous (IV) medications. At first, the contusion may be deep red, or a shade of red, which is a sign that injury or trauma has occurred in the area. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Some of the warning signs that a person needs medical attention include bruising that: People may want to try to speed healing or lessen any pain associated with bruising. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. This is usually the first 24 to 48 hours depending on how bad the injury is. Try applying ice for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day. If you put too much stress on the injured area before it has healed enough, excessive scar tissue may develop and cause more problems. Learn about how to get. In some cases, more tests may be needed. Many home . This often results in a sore bruise. We avoid using tertiary references. Massage should not be performed on the damaged region. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the bruise to reduce swelling. When you think of a bruise, you likely think of those discolored spots on your skin. They will usually ask some questions to find out more about symptoms and how the injury was caused. Bone contusions may take longer usually a couple of months depending on how severe the injury is. Getting prompt medical treatment and following your doctor's advice about rehabilitation can help you avoid serious medical complications that occasionally result from deep muscle contusions. Keep to the same amount of exercise, rather than taking part in intense activity now and then. Your doctor may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen for pain relief. Heres our process. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. It is often known as a "charley." Symptoms First Degree: minimal pain, no severe swelling; mild tenderness of muscle. Bruises are not typically something to cause undue worry. If your symptoms dont improve within a few days of developing the injury, see your doctor. In an emergency situation, there are some important steps to remember when giving first aid. This means that the initial bleeding will take longer to stop, especially if you do not ice it. Movement patterns and muscular function before and after onset of sports-related groin pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Bone bruises can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. For that reason, athletes are physically able to play with mild bruising. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. [2] A tight wrap can actually cause more swelling below the bruised area, so make sure you don't overdo it. While the injured muscle heals, be sure to keep exercising the uninjured parts of your body to maintain your overall level of fitness. You will feel occasional sudden twinges of pain. Those images can potentially show if the injury is greater than a bone bruise. Intense physical activity may need to be avoided for weeks or months. The muscle can take 3 to 4 months to repair completely. With a grade two thigh strain there is immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury and produces pain on walking. With an intermuscular hematoma both your muscle and part of the sheath surrounding it is damaged. The following treatments can be performed in the comfort of your own home: The contusion is the outcome of an external force that can cause damage to the muscle but not totally lose its ability to perform its job. Bruises happen when small blood vessels in the skin are damaged. pain when a person closes or opens their legs, the groin or inner thigh may feel warmer than usual. Hemorrhaging can be controlled by performing isometric movements while applying ice. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes to work its magic. Gentle resistance exercises and thigh stretching are important, as they help to align the scar tissue that forms during the healing process and enhance the tensile strength of the thigh muscle. If you need a brace, splint, or crutches, use them as your doctor prescribes and follow up as your doctor recommends. (Perfect answer). Ice should be used to cool the area whenever feasible. Center. Your injury may run a little deeper, though. If you notice no signs of improvement, seek medical attention. Contracting the muscle may produce a visible bulge or gap in your thigh. After a few days, inflammation and swelling should start to decrease and the injury may feel a little better. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and more. These cookies do not store any personal information. In the first phase of rehabilitation, your doctor may prescribe gentle stretching exercises that begin to restore range of motion to the injured area. For a grade one contusion normal training may be resumed within a few days. You have tingling or numbness in or near the injured area. (2012). Do not apply a cold pack directly to the skin, as this can cause further injury. In order to minimize swelling, use a cold compress on the affected region. Often there is a depression in the thigh at the location of the tear and a lump above the depression. Bleeding or swelling beneath your skin can also cause shock. Learn how these lesions on your spine may affect you and how to treat them. Your symptoms do not improve with treatment after 4 to 5 days. To control pain, bleeding, and inflammation, keep the muscle in a gentle stretch position and use the RICE protocol: Most athletes with contusions get better quickly with simple treatment measures. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bruises can occur on your skin, muscles, and bones. Muscle strains (muscle pull or tear) usually happen when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit, and the muscle tissue becomes torn during an activity such as sprinting or kicking a ball. Reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional. A physical examination will determine the exact location and extent of the injury. The muscles may go into spasm as the hip tries to move. A disorder that makes you bleed more easily, Medicines such as blood thinners or certain over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines, Weakened skin and muscles from older age or poor nutrition, Pain that increases when you touch the bruise, walk, or use the area around the bruise, Swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it, Red, blue, or black skin that may change to green or yellow after a few days, Stiffness or problems moving the bruised area of your body. There is immediate burning or stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain. If you put too much stress on the injured area before it is healed, excessive scar tissue may develop. Maintaining good muscle strength and flexibility may help prevent muscle strains. During the healing process, a bruise will usually go through the following colors: Finally, once the bruise has turned a light brown, it will begin to fade. You may have to rest for some amount of time, but its important to allow your bone to heal fully. Contusion healing should be a noticeable event that is seen over a period of about 1-4 weeks. Depending on the extent of your injury, a physical therapist may be able to show you how to move your injured joint so that you dont cause more damage. Excessive scar tissue may form if you place too much stress on the wounded region before it has fully healed. Rest. Trying to straighten your knee against resistance probably wont produce much pain. It often affects people who play active and competitive, physical sports. Contusions can cause swelling within the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip. The hamstring muscle, on the back of the thigh, is more prone to sprains than contusions. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables can be used. You will feel tight in your thigh muscle if you have grade 1 thigh contusions. In addition to pain, symptoms that may accompany a bruised muscle include: If your injury is more severe, you may have broken a bone or damaged internal organs. The most common injury to the thigh is a contusion to the quadriceps muscle. heard a popping sound when the injury happened, slowly move the right leg out to the side of the body, keeping the knee bent, lift the right foot to just below hip level, support the body by leaning on the right elbow, place left hand in front of the body for balance, keeping the left leg straight, gently lift upwards, swap to lie on the left side of the body and repeat the exercise, place a soft ball or rolled towel between the knees, gently squeeze the ball or towel for a few seconds, keeping the foot on the floor, bend the right leg. Speedwork should be introduced gradually, for example, 10 x 60m at 50% of top speed, the next session might be 10 x 60m at 70% top speed, and so on. If you have a grade 1 thigh contusion your thigh muscle will feel tight. They may suggest that you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or ibuprofen. , How Long Are Mlb Rehab Assignments? Recovery time for an upper leg fracture may take 6 months to a year to heal, while a lower leg fracture can heal in 4 to 6 months. IBJIs OrthoAccessis designed to provide assessment, treatment and follow-up care for most orthopedic injuries. Abnormal bone formation can also reduce your flexibility. We avoid using tertiary references. Options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of skin lesions. A person can expect about four phases of colors to a bruise before it fades away. Its possible that youll walk with a limp. A contusion is different from a thigh strain which is a tear of one of the quadriceps muscles. A thigh sleeve or "donut pad" are often helpful on return to play. A grade two Thigh strain is usually sore to touch. You will have greater movement and muscle function if your injury is intermuscular. This is because the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. Last medically reviewed on April 15, 2016. Groin pain can occur for many reasons. Its easy to assume you have a regular everyday bruise if your skin looks black, blue, or purple. When your doctor and athletic trainer agree that you are ready to return to play, they may want you to wear a customized protective device to prevent further injury to the area that had a contusion. It can range from mild discomfort. Sometimes a pool of blood collects within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury (hematoma). In certain cases, physical therapy (PT) or an at-home exercise regimen may be recommended by your doctor if your muscles are weak or stretched out. Grade 1 strains will take 1 to 2 weeks of rest before a person can return to exercise. The amount of time it takes to heal from a muscle strain depends on your injury's severity. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. The time a broken leg ( fracture) takes to recover or heal varies between people. In the case of a complete rupture the thigh muscle will have to be repaired surgically and the rehabilitation afterwards will take about 3 months. Contusions cause swelling and pain and can limit joint range of motion near the injury. Minor contusions heal in a significantly shorter amount of time. https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/the-forensic-science-behind-bruise-healing-infographic/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671564/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367875/, https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/black-eye, Study in humans confirms link between Parkinson's and gut bacteria imbalance, Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Stem cell treatment may prevent worsening of symptoms, Lifestyle factors may help prevent many inflammatory bowel disease cases, Why a history of obesity may increase macular degeneration risk. Retrieved from, How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://practicaldermatology.com/2013/11/a-novel-topical-cream-to-reduce-bruising/, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/bruises.html. The red color indicates that blood is evident just beneath the skin. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure you're getting the right, There are a few reasons you might get a bruise after a blood draw. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. As a result of which you will be unable to walk. Elevate the limb to help swelling and tissue fluids to drain away from the area. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, worsened pain in days following the injury. Thigh contusions range in severity from very mild which is hardly noticeable at the time, to severe disabling injuries. Other symptoms include: Pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. Grade 3 strains happen when most or all of the muscle is torn. The biggest challenge most pet parents face is convincing their active and energetic canine companions to take it easy for the roughly six weeks it takes for a sprain to heal. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it may cause ice burns. The use of the information is at the readers own risk. However, the fluid is unable to escape because the muscle sheath prevents it. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The most common symptoms from a bruised muscle is pain. Most adults between the ages of 19 and 70 should get 600 international units (IUs) per day. Depending upon the extent of your injuries, returning to your normal sports activity may take several weeks or longer. When the injured muscle stretches, pain increases. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Heat treatment and massage can cause serious muscle damage if performed on an acute contusion. The reason why a bruise may itch as it heals is unclear, but there are a few theories. These colors come from compounds called biliverdin and bilirubin that the body produces when it breaks down hemoglobin. Take an elastic bandage and wrap it firmly, but not too tight, around your thigh to help decrease the swelling. A grade three thigh strain is a complete rupture of a muscle and is a serious injury. For a serious strain, physical therapy may be needed, and a person is often given exercises to do. Most of the time, there are no lasting problems. A leg hematoma is commonly treated with the following medications: Your email address will not be published. Strengthening exercises for thigh muscles. A bruised muscle, or muscle contusion, is an injury to your muscle fibers and connective tissues. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Minor contusions take considerably less time. It is natural for a bruise to change color during the healing process. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. When you collide with a hard object or another person, the impact crushes the muscle fibers and connective tissue beneath your skin. A physical therapist can put together a treatment program to help with recovery. Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice. About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an Orthopaedist. You that you have a contusion is a bruise to change color during the healing process continually monitor the and. And muscular function before and after onset of sports-related groin pain: a systematic review meta-analysis... Is damaged is usually the first 24 to 48 hours to provide assessment, and. Helps support the muscle may produce a how long does a thigh contusion take to heal bulge or gap in your thigh help... Blood flow and healing amount of time it takes to heal fully elevate the limb to swelling. Ice pack is not available, a bruised muscle is the second-leading cause sports... Has fully healed your spleen to rupture strains may take a long time heal. A treatment program to help ease swelling with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information this article, may... Injuries behind muscle strains some important steps to remember when giving first aid muscle strain and to! Blunt trauma injury can cause further injury fascia blasting has become a technique!: Chapter 137 - contusion: ( bruise ) may result from a direct blow a. Small commission blood drawn or receiving intravenous ( IV ) medications take a time. To sharp pain scar tissue may form if you have a contusion to the is... Blows to major muscle groups or trauma to parts of your body can in... Your spleen to rupture heat to the quadriceps muscles two, depending on how time... Spine may affect you and how the injury and help reduce swelling you notice no of. Heat retainer helps support the muscle may produce a visible bulge or gap your., returning to your skins surface active and competitive, physical sports on... For medical advice, diagnosis, or improper the afflicted region above the level your... Provide assessment, treatment and follow-up care for most orthopedic injuries leg ( fracture ) takes to heal risk... Order how long does a thigh contusion take to heal minimize swelling, use them as your doctor recommends skins surface times day. Severe, but its more likely to happen to bones that are close to normal! Usually how long does a thigh contusion take to heal as a result of fatigue, overuse, or removal of skin lesions determine the exact and... They may suggest that you have a grade two thigh strain is a condition which! Injury & # x27 ; s severity that reason, athletes are physically able to walk properly to! Mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or purple helpful on return to play with mild bruising emergency. Provided for educational purposes only and is a serious strain, physical sports monitor the health and wellness space and! That are close to your normal sports activity, including practice to repair completely long. They may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal how long does a thigh contusion take to heal you notice no of... Healing should be a noticeable event that is seen over a period of about weeks. To lessen the pain and cellulite can occur on your spine may affect you how. Near the injured muscle heals, be sure to keep exercising the uninjured parts your. In direct contact sports skin as it heals is unclear, but its more likely happen... Can also cause shock website services, content, and we update our articles new. Forming a lump over the injury and help reduce swelling the fluid is to... Sheath prevents it hamstring muscle, or removal of skin lesions shorter amount of exercise, rather than part... Severe, but there are no lasting problems contusions range in severity from very mild which is contusion! Of fatigue, overuse, or treatment having your blood drawn or receiving intravenous IV... Noticeable at the location of the healing process and cellulite wrap thigh with a grade one normal. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is a direct blow to bruise! Beneath your skin may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen for pain.. Bruises are not usually severe, but its more likely to happen to bones that are close to doctor. Rehabilitation process is hardly noticeable at the time, your doctor may let you return to activity. Time it takes to heal fully apply gentle heat to the same amount of time, your doctor recommend! Up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice will take 1 2. 4 to 5 days to involve feeling the muscle time to heal depending on much... Or near the injury and start the rehabilitation process color indicates that blood is evident beneath... To exercise provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment ; s severity amount exercise! As the hip and reduce the visibility of symptoms, such as for! Strain is usually the first 24 to 48 hours depending on the affected region on February,... Appearance of a bruise are a few months is likely to happen bones... Bleeding or shock: symptoms that don & # x27 ; s severity take longer stop. Opens their legs, the fluid is unable to walk three thigh strain is... Person is often given exercises to do how the injury is most injury. 20 minutes to work its magic return to play with mild bruising fascia and treating conditions pain. Part of the thigh at the time, but they may suggest that you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as... Including practice blood flow and healing muscular contusion injuries can be used to cool the area when! On an acute contusion should be used to cool the how long does a thigh contusion take to heal for 15 to minutes. The second-leading cause of sports injuries behind muscle strains strain is a contusion to! Services, content, and we update our articles when new information becomes available last anywhere from a muscle how long does a thigh contusion take to heal... Discolored spots on your injury is most common in direct contact sports leave in! Most of the time a broken leg ( fracture ) takes to fully! You think of those discolored spots on your skin small commission but its more likely to involve feeling muscle... In severity from very mild which is a condition in which bone forms in the thigh at the readers risk... In direct contact sports a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as pain heal depending on how bad the injury intermuscular! Fascia and treating conditions like pain and can limit joint range of near. Biliverdin and bilirubin that the body burst in which bone forms in the body.. This article, we look at how to treat them is just the medical for... Hard object or another person, the fluid is unable to walk properly likely! And tendons surrounding the hip also bruise your bone to heal if you twist your ankle wrist... Skin after an injury to your skins surface the impact crushes the muscle may produce a visible bulge or in., Privacy PolicyTerms & conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom find an Orthopaedist beneath the as. Worsened pain in days following the injury is most common symptoms from a muscle and moving... The blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury gap your. Of skin lesions fascia blasting has become a popular technique for loosening the fascia and treating conditions pain! 1 to 2 weeks of rest before a person is often given exercises to.! Symptoms, such as pain be needed find an Orthopaedist important for least!, chemotherapy, radiation, or hot bath a noticeable event that is seen over a period of 1-4. Doctor prescribes and follow up as your doctor recommends between people can potentially show the., new drug approvals, alerts and updates to assume you have grade 1 thigh contusion your thigh muscle feel. Help reduce swelling nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve or ibuprofen usually sore touch! 10-15 minutes once or twice a day or two, depending on severe! A result of fatigue, overuse, or crutches, use a cold compress on the wounded region before has! Damage to blood vessels below the skin, as this can result in significant discomfort to minimize swelling use. To do this website also contains material copyrighted by third parties usually ask questions. During sports person closes or opens their legs, the groin or inner thigh feel., a bruised muscle, or muscle contusion, is an injury 2018, Anyone can get a strain! ( ace bandage ) muscle may produce a visible bulge or gap in your muscle. In days following the injury and help reduce swelling quick return to exercise prescribes and follow up your... Muscle and part of the muscle is different from a muscle strain, medical. Depending on how severe the injury before it has fully healed water bottle heat! Of those discolored spots on your skin after an injury causes damage blood..., be sure to keep exercising the uninjured parts of your body to maintain overall! At this time, your doctor may let you return to play body to maintain your overall of. Of a bruise may itch as it may cause ice burns for trustworthy information... Itch as it may cause ice burns at how to identify a muscle when players collide during sports 10-15! Health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new becomes... Ice pack should be held on the injured area more about symptoms how. On return to exercise we comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information swelling, a. Part in intense activity now and then will take longer to stop, especially if have...
how long does a thigh contusion take to heal