What happens if a muscle contusion is not treated?

A muscle contusion occurs when a blow damages muscle fibres and small blood vessels beneath the skin. Blood and fluid can collect in the tissue, causing tenderness, colour change, swelling, and pain when the muscle is stretched or contracted. A deeper bruise may be painful even when the skin looks normal.

Ignoring the injury and continuing contact sport, heavy lifting, or forceful stretching can increase bleeding into the muscle and delay recovery. Persistent swelling can reduce joint movement and alter how you walk. Rarely, a significant impact can contribute to a firm, painful area developing within the muscle during healing.

Protect the area from another impact, rest from movements that increase pain, and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods during the early phase. Elevation may help with swelling. Do not deeply massage a fresh bruise. Once pain and swelling settle, gradual movement and strengthening can be planned with a clinician or physiotherapist.

Record how the bruise changes and whether strength, walking, or joint movement is improving. Calf or thigh pain that does not follow a clear blow needs a separate assessment.

Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain out of proportion to the injury, marked tightness, new numbness, pale or cold skin, or inability to move the limb. Arrange prompt assessment if you cannot bear weight, the bruise is extensive, or symptoms are not improving as expected.

Ask: How deep does the injury seem? When can I begin stretching and strengthening? Is massage appropriate now? Do I need an ultrasound or another examination because swelling or weakness persists?