Foot bruise - swollen, what to do, treatment at home, how to treat swelling

Bruises of parts of the lower extremities are the most common type of injury that people, regardless of age, encounter in everyday life. Although these injuries are not life-threatening, they cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if your foot is swollen as a result of a bruise, it is important to know what to do first.

Causes of bruise

Most often, foot bruises are caused by factors such as:

A sharp frontal blow.
A heavy object falling on the foot, damaging the inside of the foot. Such impacts often cause serious bruises and complex fractures of the metatarsal bones.
Careless sudden movement of the lower limb, leading to dislocation, sprain of the plantar ligaments and ankle injury.
Falling or jumping from a height. In such cases, the leg usually twists, and in addition to the bruise, the ligaments are sprained.
Strong squeezing.

Foot bruises are most often observed among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Table

Cause	Description
Sharp frontal impacts	Occurs when a sudden movement of the leg or running occurs. Often with such bruises, the toes suffer and fractures occur.
Sudden leg movements	They often cause sprains or sprains.
Heavy objects falling on your foot	In this case, the upper side of the foot may be affected. If the object is very heavy or uneven, it causes a fracture of the metatarsal bones
Jumping or falling from a small height	Often in such cases the leg twists and, in addition to a bruise, a sprain occurs

Associated damage

If a foot bruise occurs as a result of a strong blow or an accident, then in addition to this injury, the victim very often has a number of more serious injuries:

fracture;
foot dislocation;
bruised nail plates;
damage to the metatarsal bone;
sprain, rupture of tendons or ligaments of the foot.

All of these injuries require emergency care and immediate treatment. In some cases, foot bruises cause irritation of its nerve fibers, which significantly delays the period of treatment and rehabilitation.

In such situations, consultation with a neurologist is necessary. Most often, trauma provokes the development of an inflammatory process in the damaged area, leading to the formation of bone or connective tissue.

In most victims, simultaneously with a bruise, the fingers and tissues located under the nail plates are injured, which also delays rehabilitation. Extensive soft tissue damage increases the likelihood of developing dystrophic bone pathology. In such cases, therapy is a complex and lengthy process.

Foot lift

A bruised ball of the foot usually occurs as a result of an unfortunate fall or impact with a hard object. The main symptoms of such an injury are severe pain, swelling and hematoma. In this case, no significant bone damage is observed.

Damage to the instep of the foot entails a violation of motor function, which does not manifest itself overnight, but gradually. As edema develops and hematoma forms, the process worsens.

Traditional medicine to relieve swelling from a bruised leg

Some people prefer to be treated with folk remedies. They are natural, do not contain chemicals, and are as effective as medications. Here are some fairly effective recipes for relieving puffiness:

Vodka compress. To prepare it, dip gauze in vodka and apply to the swelling for a few minutes. You can repeat the procedure up to 2 times a day.
A cabbage leaf will help to avoid the negative consequences of a bruise. It should be thoroughly kneaded in your hands, placed in a plate and filled with warm boiled water for 20 minutes. Then we take a bandage, fold it several times, and then moisten it in the resulting liquid and apply it to the site of the bruise. You can also add the cabbage leaf itself, after greasing it with honey.
Potato. It will help relieve swelling and reduce bruising. Grate one small potato. We put it on a napkin and wrap it with a bandage to the injured area for several hours.
Onions will help reduce pain. To do this, grate one onion and three on a coarse grater. Wrap the resulting pulp in a napkin or gauze and apply to the bruise for 3 hours. It is advisable to do the procedure 2 times a day.
Aloe leaf will eliminate the inflammatory process and reduce swelling. To do this, cut the aloe leaf lengthwise and place the inside side towards the sore spot. Aloe juice can also be used for compresses. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a day.
Oil-vinegar compress. Take vinegar, vegetable oil and plain water, 1 tablespoon each. Mix everything thoroughly. Soak a napkin with this solution. Apply the napkin to the area of swelling, wrap it in cellophane on top and carefully secure it with a bandage. Keep for 2-4 hours. 3-4 procedures are enough, after which there will be no trace of swelling left.
Tea brewing perfectly relieves swelling. It should be brewed in the usual way, then cooled to room temperature, soaked in gauze and applied to the bruise.
Parsley removes swelling. Apply compresses with parsley juice for 20-30 minutes or wipe the swollen area with an ice cube of parsley juice. Read more recipes with parsley against edema here.

After eliminating the swelling, you can speed up healing with salt baths. Half a pack of salt should be diluted in a bowl with a small amount of warm water. Immerse your foot in the water and take a bath for an hour. These baths should be done daily until the hematoma disappears.

You should not neglect your health and ignore bruises, especially if they are accompanied by inflammation, hematoma formation, and swelling. The victim should be given first aid and a set of measures should be taken to eliminate these unpleasant symptoms.

Severity

There are several degrees of foot contusion, depending on the nature of the injury and the accompanying signs:

I – expressed by minor abrasions and scratches. If damaged, the pain is almost imperceptible: discomfort manifests itself only with active movements. Such an injury does not cause harm to human health and does not require special treatment, and all symptoms disappear within a few days.
II – injury to muscle tissue occurs, followed by the formation of edema and hematoma. The victim feels severe pain, which intensifies with any physical activity, and therefore his condition worsens significantly.
III - a rather dangerous injury, characterized by damage to tendons and ligaments, and accompanied by bruising and severe pain. Most often, a person receives such injuries as a result of an accident, a fall from a great height, or an industrial accident.

Important!
The location of the course of treatment depends on the complexity of the damage. So, for example, the first degree allows therapy at home, while the second and third require hospitalization under the supervision of specialists.

Regardless of the degree of damage, if you bruise your foot, you should seek medical help.

Table

Degree of injury Main characteristics Features of treatment

First degree (mild)	In case of injury, minor damage to the skin (scratches and abrasions) is possible.	No special treatment is required, since the body can recover on its own within 3-4 days. Wounds should be disinfected and sealed with a bactericidal plaster.
Second degree	The occurrence of edema as a result of partial ruptures of muscle fibers. Hematomas and acute pain may occur.	Going to the emergency room is mandatory. Treatment is prescribed exclusively by a doctor after an examination.
Third degree	A bruise provokes damage to the integrity of muscle tissue and tendons, which leads to dislocations and ruptures of ligaments.	Consultation with a traumatologist should be immediate. This is especially true for injuries sustained in the knee joints. The use of medications and procedures is determined by the attending physician individually in each individual case.
Fourth degree	With a severe bruise of the fourth degree, the deformation of the injured limb can be clearly expressed, as well as its complete immobility, inability to move and the manifestation of sharp, severe pain.	Timely medical care and surgery performed by a surgeon leave the maximum chance for a complete restoration of the patient’s musculoskeletal function.

Classification by location of injury

Taking into account the area in which the foot is damaged, the bruise is classified as follows:

pain in the lower part of the fingers;
damage to the heel bone;
injury to the tissue of the sole;
discomfort in the inner part of the foot;
violation of bone structure.

Table

Location of the bruise Main differences and characteristics

Foot	The most common foot injury, most often affecting the toes and heels (calcaneus). In the latter case, the patient may be prescribed extremely long and necessarily thorough therapy. It is in the area of the foot that many small bones are localized, as well as blood vessels, nerve endings and tendons. Since it is important to be able to adequately assess the severity of the injury and effectively treat the pathology itself, consultation with a doctor in case of foot injuries is mandatory. Timely seeking help and the opportunity to fully check the feet allows the patient to quickly restore full independent movement, preventing the development of inflammatory processes.
Shin	A bruised leg is always accompanied by severe pain, which is due to the presence of many nerve endings on its surface. It is important to note that receiving a severe injury to the lower leg can provoke a painful shock and lead to loss of consciousness. Even before starting any therapeutic procedures, it is extremely important to eliminate the risk of a fracture of the tibia, which is characterized by severe swelling, deformation of the limb, severe pain, and the absolute inability of the victim to step on the injured leg.
Soft fabrics	When soft tissue is damaged, the appearance of swelling and bruising is caused by a violation of the integrity of blood vessels and blood entering the muscle tissue. If small vessels and capillaries are damaged, the bruised part of the leg quickly recovers on its own. In case of severe swelling and pain, consultation with a doctor is necessary, since rupture of large blood vessels is possible, which provokes the development of thrombosis, and can also lead to necrosis (death) of muscle tissue.

Kinds

Serious foot injuries are divided into several types:

Heel bone fracture – in 5% of cases, both heels are damaged at the same time. Almost always, fractures of the calcaneus heal without surgery, but, as a rule, such an injury leads to permanent disability for the victim. Dislocations and fractures of the talus - such injuries are quite rare and occur as a result of a powerful impact: from a strong blow, from a fall from a great height or as a result of a car accident. Metatarsal fractures are a fairly rare occurrence. Most of such damage is caused by open types.
A bruise, expressed by severe pain in the entire foot, hematoma, swelling, increased temperature, redness of the injury site, and stiffness of movement. In some cases, the victim experiences numbness in the foot.
Sprains and dislocations are accompanied by severe pain, especially when trying to move the foot. Subsequently, sensitivity decreases, and it becomes impossible to lean on the affected limb.

ICD 10 code

In the international classification of diseases, foot bruise is listed under code S90.

What happens when a ligament is sprained?

“Sprain” is not a good name for an ankle ligament injury. Elastic tissues such as muscle, epithelial, and fat can stretch. Ligaments are strong and low-stretch elements; their elasticity is minimal. This structure is necessary to perform the main function - stabilization of joints.

When there is awkward movement or overload, the fibers of the ligament do not stretch, but tear. If some fibers are damaged, they speak of a tear, if all of them are damaged, they speak of a ligament rupture. In this case, one or more ligaments may tear or tear.

Small nerves and blood vessels run along and less frequently inside the ligaments. They also permeate the entire space around the joint. With any injury, damage to certain vessels occurs. The swelling that appeared in the first hours after the injury is nothing more than blood pouring out from a “torn” artery or vein.

Symptoms

The following signs are characteristic of a foot bruise:

pain;
swelling;
skin redness;
scratches and abrasions;
fluctuation - detachment of subcutaneous fat or periosteum with subsequent filling of the resulting void with blood or lymph;
local hyperemia - heating of the skin in the area of the bruise due to increased blood flow;
hemorrhage contributing to the formation of a hematoma.

When a foot is bruised, the pain syndrome remains even if it is immobile. The first symptoms: hematoma and swelling appear immediately after injury. Their cause is subcutaneous hemorrhage and accumulation of lymph.

First aid

A foot injury requires immediate medical attention. However, before being examined by a doctor, the victim needs to provide first aid through several simple steps:

Ensure absolute rest of the affected limb.
Apply a fixing bandage, avoiding pinching of the vessels.
Apply cold to the damaged area. It is best to use ice wrapped in cloth for this purpose. A cold compress helps to constrict blood vessels and reduces the risk of hematoma and swelling. It is applied for 15-20 minutes, after which it is removed and a five-minute break is taken.

Attention!
If a fracture is suspected, it is necessary to apply a splint and ensure complete immobility of the affected leg.

Swollen foot: what to do

If swelling appears after a bruise, you should promptly consult a doctor who will prescribe a course of treatment with drugs that remove fluid. Before being examined by a specialist, it is important to ensure that the injured limb is immobile, fixed in an elevated state, and then not to step on it until complete recovery.

What to do if the integrity of the skin is damaged

The damaged area of the skin of the foot is treated with any antiseptic: brilliant green, alcohol, iodine or chlorhexidine. In order to prevent bleeding, an antiseptic bandage is applied to the wound.

What is prohibited to do

Before being examined by a doctor, it is prohibited to take medications (especially painkillers), as this will lead to a distortion of the clinical picture.

Note!
If you suspect dislocations or fractures, you should not try to set them yourself, or transport the victim without fixing the injured limb.

When to see a doctor

Self-treatment of a foot bruise is possible only with minor damage (grade I), expressed by the appearance of scratches and abrasions. In all other cases, the victim requires qualified medical care.

Diagnostic measures

To determine the nature of the bruise, the specialist first examines, performs palpation, and then sends the patient for radiography, where they take a picture of the foot in two projections. After confirming the diagnosis, the traumatologist may prescribe a consultation with an orthopedist or neurologist.

The difference between a fracture and a bruise

You can distinguish a soft tissue bruise in the foot from a fracture by the following signs:

Violation of bone integrity
With a bruise - no.
Violation of skin integrity
If there is a bruise, it is absent.
Presence of pain syndrome.
If there is a bruise, it will subside after a while.
Physical activity
In case of bruise, it is preserved.

At the moment of fracture, a crunching sound is clearly heard, indicating a violation of the integrity of the bone.

Important!
A fracture of the bones of the foot requires the mandatory application of a plaster cast, but with a bruise there is no need for this.

Why does swelling occur with a bruise?

Swelling of the tissues when a leg is bruised is due to the fact that the vessels located close to the site of injury burst and a hematoma (bruise) is formed, which will be painted in different colors as it heals.

If after 5 days the bruise does not turn yellow, but continues to remain purple, then it is best to consult a traumatologist to rule out ligament rupture or more severe damage. Only a doctor, after a visual examination and an x-ray, can rule out a bone fracture or ligament rupture.

Treatment

For a common foot injury, treatment can be done at home. In case of large-scale skin detachment or extensive hematoma, the victim needs surgical intervention.

Conservative

Basic therapy involves taking the following medications:

analgesics – to eliminate pain;
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - to suppress the inflammatory process;
antihistamines - to relieve swelling.

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, diphenhydramine or sodium heparin as absorbable drugs. They are applied to the affected area of the foot.

Soft tissue injuries in hospital

If the soft tissue structure is severely damaged, sutures will be required. After this, the complex of treatment in a hospital setting includes taking medications, as well as regular dressings and various procedures: magnetic and physical therapy, massage, exercise therapy, etc.

At home

If your doctor approves home therapy, it is recommended to use several folk remedies:

Apple cider vinegar - prevents the occurrence of extensive hematoma and reduces pain. To prepare a compress, add 10 g of salt and 2 drops of iodine to a glass of vinegar heated in a water bath. The resulting product is soaked into the fabric and wrapped around the foot. A cold heating pad is applied on top and wrapped in a warm scarf. The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes.
Aloe leaf pulp and honey - the components are taken in a 2:1 ratio and mixed thoroughly. The prepared ointment is applied to the damaged area several times a day for 7 days.
Juice from the onion is applied to the bruise for 30 minutes. The procedure helps to quickly eliminate swelling.
Arnica infused with alcohol - the product can be purchased at a pharmacy or prepared independently. Such compresses are effective for extensive hematomas.
Badyaga - the drug is poured with water and mixed until a paste forms. Apply as a compress 2 times a day, applying for half an hour.
Plantain - in summer, a fresh leaf of the plant is applied to the site of injury, in winter - compresses prepared from a tincture purchased at the pharmacy.

Attention!
Treatment of a foot bruise at home is aimed at eliminating swelling and pain.

Homeopathic

Homeopathic medicines are used in the complex treatment of injured feet. The most common of them is Traumeel S. The drug has an analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect and is prescribed to patients regardless of age for dislocations, fractures, extensive hematomas, and ligament ruptures. The drug is available in the form of tablets, ointment and gel.

Features of treatment in a child

On the recommendation of a doctor, if the skin is damaged, it is treated with antiseptic agents: hydrogen peroxide, iodine or brilliant green. The child's foot is lubricated with ointment (Trumeel S or Diclofenac can be used for this purpose), and Nurofen is given as a pain reliever. The injured limb with a pre-applied tight bandage is provided with complete rest for a week.

Note!
After receiving a foot injury, the child must be shown to a specialist and self-medication should not be allowed.

Drug treatment of swelling due to a bruised leg

The patient needs to create all conditions at home to limit his physical activity. The leg should be at rest at all times. Treatment should be aimed at relieving swelling, inflammation and pain.

The following remedies can be used to relieve swelling:

A compress with Dimexide not only relieves swelling, but also slightly numbs the damaged area. You need to dilute the drug with water in a ratio of 1/2, apply it to gauze and apply it to the bruise. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day. To enhance the analgesic effect, you can add an ampoule of Analgin, 2% Novocaine or Diclofenac to the diluted drug.
Menovazin. The solution is gently rubbed into the skin in the place where the pain symptom is felt. Menovazine should be rubbed in at least 3 times a day to achieve a sustainable therapeutic effect. Menovazin should not be used for more than a month - you should take a break of 10 days and, if necessary, repeat the course.

Complex drugs include:

Troxevasin. The drug will reduce swelling, prevent the formation of bruises, and reduce pain. The gel is applied morning and evening to the site of the hematoma.
Voltaren. Removes inflammation and pain. The gel should be applied in the morning, lunch and evening. The duration of treatment is no more than 3 weeks.
Heparin ointment. Relieves swelling and inflammation, helps resolve blood clots. The ointment should be rubbed into the sore spot morning and evening.
Rescuer. Reduces swelling of the skin, pain, and reduces bruising.

Do not apply the ointment to damaged skin.

For severe pain, the following medications can be taken:

Analgin. Adults are recommended to take 1 tablet up to 3 times a day after meals. The tablets should be taken with a sufficient amount of liquid. The course of admission is up to 7 days.
Nurofen tablets. This is a broad-spectrum remedy that will not only help relieve swelling, but will also cope with pain in a matter of minutes, eliminate inflammation, and help relieve the victim’s feverish state. It is recommended to take 2-3 times a day.
Ketanov. A fairly strong analgesic that also relieves inflammation. Take no more than 2 times a day with an interval of 5-6 hours.
Iodine mesh relieves pain and inflammation well. To do this, take a cotton swab and dip it in iodine, and then draw a lattice shape at the site of the bruise. This procedure is best done at night to relieve pain.

Rehabilitation

In case of mild injury, rehabilitation procedures are not required; in case of severe injury, the victim is prescribed treatment in a hospital under the constant supervision of a specialist.

Physiotherapy

For foot bruises, the following procedures are effective:

iontophoresis - carried out using novocaine, helps eliminate pain, swelling, improves overall well-being;
UHF therapy – relieves inflammation, eliminates swelling, normalizes blood circulation: central and local.
phonophoresis - performed using hydrocortisone, prevents the occurrence of joint pathologies, stimulates regeneration processes;
paraffin applications - aimed at activating metabolic processes in damaged tissues, resolving hematomas and stimulating blood circulation.

Massage and self-massage

Foot massage is recommended on the third day from the moment of injury. The procedure accelerates regeneration, normalizes foot mobility and improves blood circulation.

Recovery time

In most cases, a foot bruise goes away within 14-20 days. In case of dislocation and sprain, treatment and rehabilitation may require from one week to a month, and healing of a fracture may take from 30 to 60 days.