How long should I have tenderness from a bruise - nine months later?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I was in an auto accident nine months ago. I still have an area on my upper thigh that was bruised in the wreck that is still very tender to the touch. How long should I have bruise soreness?

Dear Tonya: The Healing time of a muscular contusion depends on the severity of the initial injury. Most contusions are minor and heal quickly, but  severe contusions can cause deep tissue damage and can lead to complications and/or take months to heal. 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. A physical examination will determine the exact location and extent of injury. Diagnostic imaging tools may be used to better visualize inside the injured area of your body. These tools include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans. For some injuries, your doctor may also need to check for nerve injury. 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.