Foot Contusion

Bruising of the skin and underlying tissues of the foot caused by a direct blow. Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate muscles, tendons or other soft tissue.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

Foot tissues, including blood vessels, muscle, tendons, nerves, covering to bone (periosteum) and connective tissue.

Causes

• Direct blow to the foot, usually from, a blunt object.
• Wearing a shoe that has faulty cleats or spikes or wearing a wrinkled sock. This will cause a "stone bruise".

Signs & Symptoms

• Local swelling-either superficial or deep.
• Pain and tenderness over the injury.
• Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted at the injury site.
• Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
• Restricted foot activity proportional to the extent of injury.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

• Wrap an elasticized bandage over a sponge rubber pad on the injured area. Keep the area compressed for about 72 hours.
• Continue ice massage. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage over the injured area in a circle about the of a softball. Do this for 15 minutes at a time, 3 or 4 times a day, and before workouts or competition.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better.Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers,heating pads, heat liniments or ointments or whirlpool treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.

Prevention Tips

Wear appropriate protective footgear during competition or in the athletic activity.