Contusions: signs and treatment. Symptoms of rib slaughter
Among all injuries, bruises rank first in frequency. Mostly only soft tissues are damaged in them, bones are rarely affected, critical consequences are usually not noted. However, sometimes the treatment of a bruised knee can take several weeks, and a chest injury can lead to serious health problems.
Causes of slaughter
Soft tissue is usually damaged by impact with a hard object or surface, although, for example, a bruised back and coccyx when falling into water from a great height is a common occurrence. The severity of the slaughter depends on:
- hardness of the traumatic object;
- power and speed of impact;
- the size of the damage zone;
- elasticity of tissues and features of their blood supply;
- age.
Signs of slaughter
The main symptom is pain that occurs immediately at the moment of impact. A hematoma (accumulation of blood in the tissues) may also form. The larger the hematoma, the stronger the pain due to compression of soft tissues and irritation of pain receptors.
Externally, a contusion is manifested by swelling at the site of impact. Where the subcutaneous tissue is more pronounced, the swelling will be more pronounced. Facial tissues can serve as an example - here the hematomas are more pronounced. When probing the place of slaughter, the patient feels sharp pain. In case of limb injuries, their functions may be impaired.
Symptoms of a rib fracture include increased pain when breathing, coughing, and laughing. The absence of a characteristic crunch when squeezing the ribs from both sides or in the anterior-posterior direction does not yet indicate that they are not fractured. A severe contusion of the chest can also cause other complications, such as damage to the heart or lungs. Then disorders of the heart and lungs come to the fore.
The form of the bruise, in which it will be necessary to prescribe certain means for treatment - the bruise of the joint. Bleeding in this case can occur not only in the peri-articular tissues, but also in the joint itself. The phenomenon is called hemarthrosis, while the joint is enlarged, its contours are smoothed, and movements in it are difficult and painful.
Treatment of slaughter
The general principles of treatment for any kind of slaughter are the same. First of all, it is the peace of the affected part of the body. On the first day, cold compresses are recommended for 2-3 hours with a half-hour break. This allows you to reduce the size of the hematoma, reduce swelling, and improve microcirculation at the site of the injury.
UHF is prescribed on the second day, and after the severity of the pain subsides - compresses, ozokerite and paraffin applications. It is possible to use means that contribute to hematoma resorption: ointments with heparin, as well as electrophoresis with antibiotics or novocaine (for severe pain). Novocaine can also be used to perform a blockade if the use of conventional painkillers is not effective enough.
Hematomas after the slaughter of large soft tissues are usually punctured with a large needle, the blood is sucked out with a syringe, after which antibiotics are injected into this place and a sterile compression bandage is applied. If blood has entered the joint, it is also aspirated. After this procedure, a plaster cast is applied. Exercise therapy is also prescribed for hemarthrosis.
What not to do when slaughtering
On the first day after slaughter, any local heat procedures are absolutely contraindicated. Warming leads to the expansion of damaged blood vessels, increased bleeding from them, increased hematoma. Blood in the tissues at too high a temperature becomes a favorable environment for the reproduction of disease-causing microbes, which often leads to the development of phlegmon (spill-out suppuration of soft tissues).
For the same reason, you should not rub and massage a fresh wound. In addition, if the injury caused a fracture that is not immediately recognized, the sharp ends of the broken bone can damage soft tissues - including blood vessels or nerve endings.
Peculiarities of treatment for hand bruises
In this case, complete rest and removal of the hematoma are important. The hand is immobilized with an elastic bandage, if necessary, a plaster cast is used. In the case of a large hematoma, the blood is aspirated, and a small one is treated with ointments that help dissolve the accumulated blood. It is important to prescribe extremity massage and physical therapy, otherwise contracture may develop - tight mobility of the joints, which will lead to a decrease in a person's working capacity.
Treatment of a stubbed toe
Conducted according to general rules. In the first day, bed rest is preferred, then gentle walking is allowed - so as not to step on the damaged toe. Treatment of a bruised toe usually lasts no more than one week.
In case of severe blows to the chest and abdomen, internal organs can also be damaged. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid complications. You can find out more about treatment for bruises on the hand and in other locations on our website Dobrobut.com. If you develop inexplicable changes, immediately go to the trauma center.