1. Reduce Swelling With Ice
Put ice packs on your bone bruise (also called a periosteal bruise) to reduce the swelling that usually comes with this type of injury. Unlike soft-tissue bruises that almost always discolor fairly quickly, you may or may not get a "black and blue" mark when you have a bone bruise, but you will almost always have swelling and a lot of pain. Use a package of frozen peas or corn that can be easily molded to the area you've bruised. If you make an ice pack out of ice cubes, wrap them in a paper towel or soft cloth before putting the ice directly on your skin. If you experience severe swelling that does not subside when you ice it, you will probably want to have an -ray done to make sure you haven't fractured your bone.
2. Treat Your Pain With Medications
Most people can safely take over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat the pain that's associated with a bone bruise. If you have a medical condition that excludes you from using NSAIDs, speak to your doctor about an alternative medication to help you manage your pain.
3. Rest and Have Patience
Bone bruises take a long time to heal--sometimes up to a month or more, depending on how hard you hit your bone. Resting the affected area as much as you can will help it heal more quickly. Elevate your injured body part using a chair or a pile of pillows, if possible. If you've hurt your foot or leg, try to stay off it as much as you can, or use crutches to help you get around. Being too ambitious in regard to your activities after you sustain a bone bruise can invite re-injury and a longer recovery period.
