Pain post leg contusion

Dear Ask The Doctor: Recently got a bruise on my shin after falling. There is no redness or swelling after 2 months, but there continues to be pain in the area where I hit it. What could this be from? Is it something that should be checked out?

Dear Wes: Athletes in all contact sports have many opportunities to get a muscle contusion (bruise). Contusions are second only to strains as a leading cause of sports injuries. Most contusions are minor and heal quickly. But, severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and can lead to complications and/or keep the athlete out of sports for months. Contusions occur when a direct blow or repeated blows from a blunt object strike part of the body, crushing underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin. A contusion can result from falling or jamming the body against a hard surface. Sometimes a pool of blood collects within damaged tissue, forming a lump over the injury (hematoma).In severe cases, swelling and bleeding beneath the skin may cause shock. If tissue damage is extensive, you may also have a fractured bone, dislocated joint, sprain, torn muscle, or other injuries. Contusions cause swelling and pain and limit joint range of motion near the injury. Torn blood vessels may cause bluish discoloration. The injured muscle may feel weak and stiff. To control pain, bleeding, and inflammation, keep the muscle in a gentle stretch position and use the RICE formula: Rest: Protect the injured area from further harm by stopping play. You may also use a protective device (i.e., crutches, sling). Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a clean cloth. (Remove ice after 20 minutes.). Compression: Lightly wrap the injured area in a soft bandage or ace wrap. Elevation: Raise it to a level above the heart. 4.-Lump on lower leg. The healing time depends on the severity of the initial injury.