How to Treat a Bone Bruise

Overview

Bone bruises are also called bone contusions (or sometimes bone swelling) and represent a type of injury that bears similarities to both fractures and soft tissue bruises. Bone bruises are commonly the result of either blunt trauma or a possible injury to some of the connective tissue that supports bones. Bone bruises are being detected more often due to the frequent use of MRI machines.

Step 1

Confirm the bone bruise. This means that you should ask your physician to perform both an X-ray and an MRI. According to a study from Tufts University by Dr. Newberg, bone bruises can also cause a stress fracture of the bone, as well as indicate ligament damage. These imaging studies are important for the proper diagnosis and treatment of a bone bruise.

Step 2

Avoid stress on the bruised area. A bone bruise is unlike a normal bruise because it involves bone damage. Because bones heal more slowly than soft tissue, you will want to avoid putting stress on the damaged area, which means that you will want to protect it from additional trauma and, if it is a bruise near a joint, possibly wear a brace.

Step 3

Avoid tobacco and nicotine. According to podiatrist Jeffrey Oster of Myfootshop.com, bone bruises are similar to fractures. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, which can slow or halt the healing process of bones.

Step 4

Apply ice, preferably wrapped in a thin washcloth or from an ice pack. The cold will help reduce the swelling and thus reduce the pain and stiffness around a bone bruise.

Step 5

Take NSAIDs. NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and will help with pain relief as well as reduce the swelling.

Step 6

Be patient. Assuming that the bone is not fractured and there are no torn ligaments, a bone bruise will heal on its own. However, according to Oster, it may take several months for the bruise to heal completely.