What Is a Contusion?
A contusion is the medical term for a bruise. In general, it is a blue and black mark that appears on the skin after trauma. For example, you may notice bruises when a part of the body is blown or cut. These injuries cause small blood vessels to burst and make blood get stuck under the surface of the skin. Contusions may affect people at any age groups. Some would occur with minimal pain and clear signs. In fact, they are very common and tend to be harmless. [1]
Signs and Symptoms of a Contusion
In most cases, the main sign of a contusion is the presence of a blue or black mark on the skin. It may cause mild or severe pain, depending on the underlying causes. Deeper and larger contusions, which may affect your muscles or bones, tend to be more painful. If you feel pain after a blow or fall, there would be a contusion. Other common symptoms include swelling, difficulty moving the injured area, as well as aching or throbbing sensations. If contusions affect internal organs, their functions would be impaired. Medical attention is necessary in these cases to prevent further complications. [2]
