How do I treat a bruised arm?
Treatment of a bruised arm usually involves the use of ice to reduce swelling and use of anti -inflammatory drugs to alleviate the painful symptoms associated with bruises. Most bruises are smaller enough to treat in this way at home. However, heavy bruises should be examined by a doctor because painful swelling may indicate more serious injuries such as sprains or fracture.
Bruising occurs when blood escapes from torn blood vessels, causing color in the skin that may seem black, blue or purple - or even have a green or yellow undertone. In case of injury suffered during physical activities such as sport, a bruised arm may occur; hitting objects; or fall from a height. Sometimes bruises may sometimes occur on the arms due to thin skin, as can sometimes be seen in older patients whose blood vessels are more fragile.
Home treatment for smaller bruising on the arm generally includes a solution of pain and swelling. Applying cold compression or ice pack on thpom delayThe area for 20 to 30 minutes - or until the skin feels dull - it can help reduce pain and swelling. ICE helps slow blood flow around the injury; If treatment is used immediately, this can help prevent bruise completely.
doctors do not recommend applying ice directly to the skin, as direct contact with frost temperatures can lead to further damage. Pieces of ice or cold packages can be covered with a towel for protection. However, a wet towel can work best because the dry towel can prevent a cold temperature from reaching the skin. Ice treatment can be repeated several times a day during the first few days and can continue for about a week. If the painful symptoms continue in a week, the doctor should be consulted for further diagnosis.
The use of crop paintillers (OTC) can help relieve the pain from the bruised arm. Medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are usually recommended. However, doctors usuallyThey recommend taking aspirin because it acts as thinner blood and can extend the symptoms of bruising. Maintaining a bruised arm raised for the first time after an injury can also help reduce painful swelling.
If the symptoms of a bruised shoulder have improved after two days of icing, the heating of the bruised area may help accelerate the recovery by increasing blood flow. The heat can be applied two to three times a day until the bruising starts to disappear. Warm washcloth generally serves well.
Bruise will usually recover completely within 2 to 4 weeks if they are treated correctly. However, pain and swelling should be dispersed faster. If a painful swelling continues for more than a few days to a week with ice and ice pains, the doctor should be consulted to diagnose potentially more serious injuries.