Foot Contusion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A foot contusion
is a bruise that appears on your skin after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. Blood leaks into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle.
Common signs and symptoms of a foot contusion:
- An area that may be black, blue, red, or darker than the skin around it
- 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
- Stiffness or problems moving your foot
Seek care immediately if:
- You have increased swelling on your foot.
- You have severe foot pain.
- You are not able to move your foot.
Call your doctor if:
- You find a new lump in the injured area.
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment after 4 to 5 days.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may not be needed. The bruise may become lighter or change to green or yellow as it heals. You may need any of the following if the contusion is severe or does not heal easily:
- Medicine may be needed to treat or prevent pain or swelling.
- Aspiration is a procedure to drain pooled blood in your muscle. This prevents increased pressure in the muscle.
- Surgery may be done to repair a muscle tear or relieve pressure caused by swelling.
Manage a foot contusion:
Follow your treatment plan to help decrease your pain and improve your muscle movement. The following are general instructions:
- Rest your foot for 1 to 2 days after your injury. You may then be given gentle exercises to improve your foot movement and help decrease stiffness. Ask when you can return to your normal activities or sports.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your foot. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
- Use compression to decrease swelling and support your foot. Follow instructions about how to apply the bandage. Make sure the bandage is not too tight. You should be able to put a finger between the bandage and your foot. Do not massage your foot. Massage may cause more damage or pain.
- Keep your foot raised above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down. This will help decrease or limit swelling. Use pillows, blankets, or rolled towels to elevate your foot comfortably.
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Prevent another foot contusion:
- Wear equipment to protect yourself when you play sports.
- Make sure your shoes fit properly.
- Always wear shoes on streets or sidewalks.
- Clean spills off the floor right away to avoid slipping or hitting your foot.
- Make sure your home is well lit when you get up during the night. This will help you avoid hurting your foot in the dark.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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