Guidelines for the management of soft tissue contusions following falls

1. What is soft tissue contusion?

Soft tissue contusion refers to damage to skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other tissues caused by external impact or compression, usually without fractures or open wounds. Common symptoms include:

- Pain and tenderness: The injured area is painful when touched

- Swelling and bruising: local blood vessel rupture leading to subcutaneous bleeding

- Limited mobility: pain that worsens when you move a joint or muscle

2. Emergency treatment: follow the "RICE principle" within 48 hours

1. Rest

- Stop the activity immediately to avoid secondary injury.

- Use crutches or braces to assist with mobility (if involving the lower limbs).

2. Ice

- Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply for 15-20 minutes each time, 3-4 times a day.

- Note: Avoid direct contact of ice with skin to prevent frostbite.

3. Compression

- Use an elastic bandage to wrap the affected area moderately to reduce swelling.

- Tips: After bandaging, check whether the distal limb is purple or numb, and avoid over-tightening.

4. Elevation

- Elevate the injured part above heart level (e.g. legs on a block).

3. Recovery Care (After 48 Hours)

1. Heat to promote circulation

- After the swelling subsides, use a warm towel or heat pack 2-3 times a day to accelerate the absorption of blood stasis.

2. Medication assistance

- Topical medications: You can use a gel containing diclofenac sodium (such as Voltaren) to relieve inflammation.

- Oral medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used for a short period of time (follow the doctor's advice and use with caution in patients with stomach problems).

3. Moderate activity

- After the pain subsides, gradually increase joint range of motion to avoid muscle stiffness.

- Transition from gentle stretching to low-intensity exercise (such as walking).

4. Be alert to these situations and seek medical attention promptly

- Pain that continues to get worse or does not improve after 3 days

- Severe swelling, purple skin, or blisters in the affected area

- Inability to bear weight (e.g., unable to stand) or significant joint deformity

- Accompanied by fever and wound exudate (alert to infection)

5. Correction of common misunderstandings

- Myth 1: Rub or apply heat to the injured area immediately

→ May aggravate bleeding, apply cold compress within 24 hours.

- Myth 2: Thinking that the deeper the bruise, the more serious the injury

→ The color of subcutaneous hemorrhage is related to the individual's coagulation function and may not reflect the severity.

- Myth 3: Completely resting and not moving

→ Long-term immobilization may lead to muscle atrophy, and exercise needs to be resumed gradually.

6. Preventing Re-Injury

1. Strengthen balance training (such as standing on one leg, yoga)

2. Anti-slip environment at home: lay anti-slip mats in the bathroom and keep the floor dry

3. Warm up thoroughly before exercise and wear protective gear (such as knee pads)

VII. Precautions for special groups

- Elderly people: They are more likely to suffer fractures due to osteoporosis. It is recommended that they seek medical attention as soon as possible after a fall.

- Diabetic patients: Wounds heal slowly and need to be closely monitored for infection.

- Children: Bruises subside quickly, but attention should be paid to whether the pain affects normal activities.

Summarize

Soft tissue contusions usually heal on their own in 1-2 weeks, and scientific care can significantly shorten the recovery time. Keep in mind the principle of "rest and protection - symptomatic treatment - gradual recovery", and avoid excessive anxiety or ignoring risk signals. If in doubt, consult a professional doctor in time, and do not blindly use medication or massage!

Tips: You can use your mobile phone to take pictures of the daily changes in the injured part, so that you can show the doctor the progress of the disease when you seek medical treatment.

(This article is for reference only, please follow your doctor's advice for specific treatment)

Through the above measures, patients can deal with soft tissue contusions more safely and effectively, reducing the risk of complications. Health is no small matter, scientific care is the key!