Bone Bruise Symptoms

A periosteal bruise is a bruise that penetrates the skin down to the bone. A bone bruise can last for several months and is extremely painful. Fortunately, the symptoms of a bone bruise are relatively easy to recognize.

Causes

• Bruises that occur on the bone often result from sports injuries, serious falls, or car accidents.

Discoloration

• One of the initial signs of a bruise of any type is discolored skin around the affected area. Skin will turn several shades of purple, blue, green and yellow. Most superficial bruises will heal before the bone bruise itself heals.

Pain

• Pain also indicates a bone bruise, particularly when the pain lasts beyond the healing of the superficial bruise, for extended period of time or occurs during movement.

Swelling

• Some individuals will experience swelling around the bruise depending on the bruise location. Swelling often ranges from mild to severe and may clear up before the bone bruise has fully healed.

Treatment

• Fortunately, bone bruises can be treated at home. By taking Tylenol, using ice or a heating pad and getting rest, you can speed up the healing process.