First-aid Care: Contusions

Knowing how to identify and treat different types of contusions can reduce downtime, prevent complications, and support employee well-being. This first-aid guide for contusion care covers the signs, symptoms, and essential first-aid steps for managing skin, muscle, and bone contusions on the job.

Contusions are bruises that occur when blood vessels are damaged by a forceful blow or blunt trauma, causing blood to pool in surrounding tissue. Contusions range in severity from mild to severe and may affect the skin, muscles, or bones.

Signs + Symptoms

Mild skin bruises are characterized by pain, tenderness, and skin discoloration that changes in hue as the area heals. Swelling or a raised bump (hematoma) may also be present. Muscle contusions have similar signs and symptoms and may include muscle tightness, tenderness, or limited range of motion. A bone bruise involves damage to the bone tissue and surrounding blood vessels. It may cause prolonged pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited mobility. 

First Aid

Mild bruises typically heal on their own.

1. For immediate symptom relief: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are recommended:
   • Relative rest – Rest while your body is healing but stay reasonably active
   • Ice – Every 15-20 minutes, with a 30-40 minute break in between
   • Compression – As needed, wrap the bruised area with a non-rigid support, such as an elasticized bandage
   • Elevation – When resting, elevate the injured area at or above heart level, as feasible
2. Medication: An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be taken at non-prescription strength to help relieve symptoms. Avoid aspirin.
3. Follow-up: Get a medical evaluation when healing is delayed or symptoms get worse.

First-aid Supplies for Contusions

WorkCare recommends keeping the following supplies on-hand in your first-aid kits:

• Cold packs
• Non-rigid elasticized bandages for wrapping
• Non-prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen

Note: Some people may bruise more easily than others. Contributing factors include age, genetics, certain types of medication or underlying diseases, vitamin deficiencies, and sun damage to skin.