Muscle contusion is usually caused by direct trauma that causes pain, swelling and stiffness, with the thigh being the most affected site. This type of injury is very common in athletes, especially in soccer players, but it can happen in everyone who practices physical activity. Muscle contusion can be classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the severity of the stroke and the time required for its recovery.
Treatment for muscle injury includes the use of ice on the spot, anti-inflammatory ointments, stretching, resting, and gradually resumption of physical activity. In some cases physiotherapy is indicated to accelerate the recovery, through equipment such as ultrasound, for example.
Most common muscle contusion sites:
How to Treat a Muscle Bruise at Home
What can be done to treat a mild or moderate muscle injury at home is soon after the injury, apply a crushed ice pack, taking care to wrap the compress with a thin cloth, such as a diaper, for example, burn the skin.
The compress can be kept in the painful region for up to 15 minutes and there is no need to keep it longer because no greater benefits are known. You can put the ice pack 2 times a day until the swelling disappears.
To complement this homemade treatment you can pass an ointment such as Gelol or Calminex, for example, before bed, doing a local massage, until the product is completely absorbed by the skin. It is also recommended to stretch the injured muscle carefully, for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time.
For about 2 weeks the practice of sports is discouraged so that the muscle can recover faster. However, stretching exercises can be performed and it is also possible to strengthen other muscles of the body, sparing only the affected limb. If even after following this care, the contusion does not improve it may be necessary to do some physical therapy sessions to rehabilitate the muscle and improve its function.
Here's how you can supplement the treatment:
- When to use hot or cold compress
- Stretching exercises for legs
- Anti-inflammatory ointments
