Hockey sticks to the nose are a common occurrence in all different levels of hockey. Without the use of proper face mask protection, high sticks as well as intentional jabs can do damage to your nose. While some hockey sticks to the nose result in minor scrapes and cuts, others can perform more serious damage on your nasal passage.
Bruised Nose
A bruised nose caused by a hockey stick to the nose will often result in swelling, discoloration and some oversensitivity in the region. Despite this, a bruised nose is a minor injury that should heal within several days to a week after sustaining the initial injury. In order to expedite the healing process, regularly applying ice to the swollen area will help reduce swelling and promote healing. Consult your doctor prior to returning to any physical activity, such as hockey or any other contact sport.
Nasal Fracture
If a hockey stick hits your nose at a great force, it is possible that a fracture can occur, most frequently at the bridge of your nose. A doctor will often be able to diagnose your broken nose without an X-ray, simply by palpating the nasal bones. If a fracture is discovered, surgery may be required in order to realign the bones in your nose. As a result, the healing process for a nasal fracture can take anywhere from a week to several weeks.
Dorsum Laceration
A dorsum laceration often occurs when the blade of a hockey stick makes direct contact with your nose. A dorsum laceration will often result in a bloody cut or gash that will run across the nose. Depending on the depth and length of the cut, the injury may require stitches in order to properly heal. Proper cleaning and dressing of the nose injury is essential with respect to avoiding infection or further damage to the skin surrounding the region.
Septal Hematoma
Septal hematoma is a bruising or bleeding that is found within the internal structure of the nose. While an external bruise or laceration may be easy to identify, septal hematoma can often go undiagnosed, resulting in a septal abscess that forms at the expense of important bone and septal cartilage. This injury is often paired with a nose fracture or bruise. Because of this, your doctor should internally check your nose after sustaining a hockey stick to the nose.
Member Comments