Ointments for bruises and other injuries not only eliminate pain, but also counteract inflammatory processes. They also dilate blood vessels, warm the tissue and promote its nutrition. Therefore, the therapeutic effect occurs within the first 30-40 minutes after application. The most popular drugs for adults and children are discussed below
Rating of pain-relieving ointments for bruises and sprains
When compiling the rating, data on several factors is taken into account: ease of use, consumer reviews, doctors' assessments, the cheapest drugs, their effectiveness, and availability are considered.
Table - Comparison of ointments for bruises with analgesic effect
| Place | Name | Points |
| 10 | Comfrey | |
| 9 | Badyaga 911 | |
| 8 | Ambulance | |
| 7 | Heparin | |
| 6 | Diclofenac | |
| 5 | Artrosilene | |
| 4 | Troxerutin | |
| 3 | Lyoton | |
| 2 | Dolobene | |
| 1 | Dolgit |
When comparing drugs, cost and effectiveness are always compared. In the case of ointments, you can find some compromise by choosing a lower dosage of the required product per dose, so the most effective drugs received high marks, even if the tubes are more expensive than their analogues.
Storage conditions
According to the instructions, it is recommended to store the drug at a temperature no higher than 15-16 °. Low temperature, like high temperature, negatively affects the quality of the drug and the activity of its components.
Heparin ointment for bruises should not be stored in the refrigerator or in places exposed to sunlight.
- The refrigerator is not suitable for storing heparin ointment.
- The tube of ointment should not be exposed to sunlight.
- The best option is to keep a first aid kit in a dry and dark place, out of reach of children.
Compliance with these requirements guarantees the preservation of pharmacological properties until the expiration date indicated on the package. This is 3 years.
Description of the properties of the ointment Heparin is not an indication for self-treatment of bruises. It is provided for informational purposes only. Positive dynamics in eliminating the consequences of injuries is achieved with strict adherence to the recommendations of a qualified specialist.
Contraindications
Ointments for bruises and sprains are contraindicated if there is an individual intolerance to the components of the drug, pregnancy, or childhood. Do not apply to damaged skin or open wounds.
Drugs containing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should not be used for ulcerative-erosive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
For medications containing NSAIDs and heparin, a contraindication will be a blood clotting disorder and a tendency to bleed.
Pain-relieving ointments should be used with caution if you have hepatic or renal impairment.
Side effects
This drug has established itself as the safest and one of the most effective anticoagulants used to eliminate the consequences of bruises and pathological conditions that provoke the formation of blood clots.
However, it should be remembered that the components of the drug in some cases cause side effects and complications. Among them are:
- possible increased bleeding under the skin observed in patients with thrombocytopenia and other blood disorders;
- possibility of local allergic reactions;
- itching, increased swelling;
- hives;
- skin infection;
- Infection of broken skin from open wounds, scratches or cuts.
Hives are one of the possible side effects of heparin bruise ointment.
The appearance of symptoms indicating an undesirable reaction of the body is an indication for discontinuation of the drug.
Compliance with the recommendations contained in the instructions for use of Heparin ointment minimizes the likelihood of side effects and complications.
The drug is available in pharmacies without a prescription, but you should consult your doctor before using it.
Degrees of bruises
1st degree
A mild degree that does not require special treatment and goes away on its own within a few days.
The pain is mild, the bruise does not appear outwardly, or there are minor hematomas. In the first degree, a good gentle ointment would be First Aid. The drug has a mild restorative effect and is indicated for children.
2nd degree
In the second degree, noticeable damage to tissues and capillaries occurs. The injuries are painful, especially when pressed. The feeling of discomfort hinders movement.
Treatment requires the use of healing anti-inflammatory drugs. Troxevasin and Heparin ointment are effective. It is necessary to apply 2-3 times a day for several days.
3rd degree
Damage to soft tissues: muscles and tendons, injuries to bones, joints, which are accompanied by sprains, ruptures, dislocations. Specialist supervision is required.
For severe injuries, stronger pain-relieving ointments will be needed. Arthrosilene gel is recommended; it is characterized by rapid absorption and good action of the active substance - ketoprofen.
4th degree
Grade 4 is manifested by severe swelling and disruption of the internal organs. Open bleeding is possible. The victim requires inpatient treatment in a hospital.
First aid for injury
It is enough to simply provide first aid to the victim. The injured limb or dislocated joint must be immobilized by applying a splint.
The use of warm compresses on the site of dislocation is strictly contraindicated. But it is necessary to apply a towel soaked in cold water. Ice cubes or a heating pad filled with ice water work well. This will help reduce swelling or prevent it from occurring after a minor injury.
To reduce pain, the victim can be given Analgin or Ibuprofen. Bruising often occurs with such injuries. The affected area should be treated with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
You cannot correct a dislocation on your own. Very often the injury is accompanied by cracks and fractures. Only a traumatologist can accurately diagnose a dislocation and correct it.
Localization of bruises
Legs
For bruises and sprains of the legs, Troxerutin and Heparin ointment are effective. The effect is associated not only with reducing inflammation, but also with preventing the formation of blood clots and improving the condition of blood vessels. Venous congestion most often occurs in the legs, which aggravates the resulting damage.
Fingers
Bruised fingers, especially on the toes, in addition to pain, interfere with normal movement due to constant friction. Therefore, it is better to use gels; they will absorb faster and will not stain your shoes.
Diclofenac is prescribed - along with the anti-inflammatory effect, the ointment helps reduce swelling, helps even if the joint is damaged.
Coccyx and lower back
If you have a bruised tailbone, you need painkillers at rest and in motion. Such a drug is Artrosilene, which is considered one of the strongest painkillers.
The substance ketoprofen included in its composition has a cooling effect and anti-inflammatory effect. Effective in stretching back muscles.
Head
In case of head bruises or suspected concussion, medical attention and diagnosis are required. Treatment uses analgesics to relieve post-traumatic pain.
The following pain-relieving ointments are prescribed for bruises and sprains:
- Sedalgin is a comprehensive remedy for any headache. In addition to metamizole sodium, it contains vitamin B1, which is involved in the functioning of the nervous system.
- Pentalgin is a combination drug with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and tonic effects.
- Maxigan – helps reduce pain. Used for inflammation, spasms, acute pain.
Steroid and non-steroid hormones
Steroid hormones relieve inflammation and reduce vascular permeability, preventing soft tissue swelling. Such an active component is found in “Prednisolone” or “Hydrocortisone”.
Most ointments for sprains contain non-steroidal hormones. The best drugs are Voltaren Emulgel, Dolgit, Indomethacin, Diclofenac, Ketonal, Ketoprofen. Such ointments are usually prescribed for injuries to the shoulder joint, fingers, feet, and sprains.
Such medications should not be taken for more than a week; the drugs should not be used by pregnant women and children under 10 years of age. Contraindications are diseases of the digestive system, urticaria, bronchial asthma. Do not apply ointment to scars, damaged skin (meaning open injuries) or moles.
Types of ointments
For bruises or sprains, external remedies of 4 groups are used. Each of them has its own effect, but they can be combined and complement each other in complex preparations.
The choice of group depends on the type of damage. For example, for hematomas, absorbable rather than warming drugs are prescribed.
Table - Types of pain-relieving ointments for bruises and sprains
| Group | Name | Action |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Diclofenac, Dolgit, Artrosilene, | Pain relief, swelling relief |
| Absorbable | Badyaga 911, Heparin, Dolobene, Comfrey, Ambulance | Improvement of vascular tone, resorption of hematomas |
| Warming up | Finalgon | Vasodilation, increased microcirculation |
| Venotonics | Troxerutin, Lyoton, | Reducing vascular permeability at the site of injury |
Non-steroidal ointments contain substances that relieve pain, relieve swelling and reduce erythema, regardless of the etiology of inflammation. They should be applied directly to the site of the injury at least once a day with light massaging movements.
Absorbable ointments are used to quickly relieve tissue swelling, reduce hematomas and compactions. Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Nimesulide, Ketorolac are prescribed.
Warming ointments usually contain red pepper, leech extract, viper or bee venom, camphor, and essential oils. The drugs improve local blood flow, resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect.
When anesthetic ointments of this group are applied to the site of a bruise or sprain, the blood vessels dilate, thereby causing an analgesic effect.
Venotics tone the veins, improve the quality of the walls of blood vessels, allow for proper distribution of lymph and improve blood flow. The general pharmacological effect of venotics is an increase in muscle tone on the walls of blood vessels and a positive effect on capillary permeability.
Anticoagulants and irritants
Anticoagulants prevent blood clotting, that is, they lead to rapid resorption of hematomas. From this category, only “Heparin” is prescribed.
Substances that cause local irritation are snake or bee venom, lavender, castor or mustard oils, nicotinic acid. Such remedies reduce pain and increase blood flow to the area of injury. The healing process when using such ointments for a dislocated leg or joints of other parts of the body is significantly accelerated.
Rating of pain relieving ointments by price
The cost of drugs depends on the manufacturer and delivery conditions. Larger volume products are in less demand, as buyers focus on one-time, temporary use.
If ointments with an analgesic effect are used frequently or as a course of treatment, then packaging with a large number of doses is preferable.
Table - Comparison of prices for pain-relieving ointments for bruises from the cheapest
| Name | Dosage, g | Cost, rub. |
| Comfrey | 100 | 89 |
| Badyaga 911 | 100 | 91 |
| Ambulance | 75 | 123 |
| Heparin | 35 | 75 |
| Diclofenac | 30 | 120 |
| 50 | 165 | |
| 100 | 265 | |
| Artrosilene | 50 | 360 |
| Troxerutin | 40 | 60 |
| Lyoton | 30 | 346 |
| 50 | 490 | |
| 100 | 919 | |
| Dolobene | 45 | 361 |
| 90 | 652 | |
| Dolgit | 20 | 80 |
| 50 | 143 | |
| 100 | 245 |
The most inexpensive Comfrey and Badyaga 911 have the lowest rating of 4 points in the overall rating. Heparin ointment and Troxerutin - 4.5, the cheapest. For short-term use or minor injuries or sprains, it is worth considering Dolgit 20g (~5-7 doses), since its cost is 80 rubles. If you need to undergo a course of treatment, it is better to choose Badyagu 911, Dolgit, Diclofinac.
Treatment immediately after dislocation
Immediately after injury, use “Naftalgin”, “Myoton” or “Percluson”. Such medicinal ointments activate blood circulation, which prevents the formation of bruises, and have a pronounced analgesic and antiseptic effect. Pain-relieving ointments can be used. The products usually contain cooling ingredients, such as menthol or essential oils. Additionally, the composition contains anticoagulants and analgesics that prevent swelling. Usually doctors prescribe Naftalgin or Lyoton.
Pain-relieving ointments for children with bruises
Up to a year
For children of the first year of life, balm Ambulance and Bepanten are prescribed.
From 1-3 years
Heparin ointment, Comfrey and Badyaga 911 creams are recommended for children over 2 years of age. Before this period, it is better to resort to means approved for use from the first days of life.
From 3 to 7
Dolobene is used for children over 5 years of age. Before 6 years of age, it is advisable to focus on medications recommended after 3 years of age. The complexion and physical development of the child matters.
From 7 years
Children over 7 years of age are prescribed Diclofenac, a cooling ointment with an analgesic effect against bruises and sprains. The body at this age is already more prepared to accept anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of topical preparations.
How to treat bruises and swelling
Injuries often cause bruising and swelling. This is due to damage to small capillaries, which provoke local hemorrhage. Edema appears due to disturbances in the outflow of lymphatic fluid, and it goes into the tissue. These processes increase pain and can trigger the formation of blood clots. Therefore, in case of dislocations, it is necessary to use products that improve circulation.
“Express Bruise” cream, which contains badyagi extract, helps against bruises. It should be applied immediately after an injury that causes a dislocation, because the product prevents bruising. If applied a couple of hours after the injury, the bruises will disappear only after two days.
Gel “Bruise-off” contains leech extract, which promotes the resorption of bruises, bruises and hematomas, and reduces swelling. “Indovazin” contains active painkillers and anti-inflammatory substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility.
The familiar “Rescuer” is also suitable for such injuries and severe bruises. Ointment for sprains and sprains of the leg restores the protective functions of tissues. Due to the cooling effect, the injury site is numbed. The ointment promotes the resorption of the hematoma. Now on sale there is “Rescuer”, which is made from natural ingredients.