Contusions
Often accompanied by a fracture, contusions result when the muscles of the forearm and portion of the elbow bone sustain a force such as that in a contact sport. A common injury among athletes, contusions involve bruising and possibly
bleeding, which produce stiffness during active range of motion activities.
A contusion can also produce an actute hemorrhagic bursitis or a common chronic olecranon bursitis, depending on the area sustaining the force. A contusion to the ulnar nerve (an area often referred to as the "funny bone") can be very
painful and send burning sensations down the ulnar side of the forearm to the ring and little fingers.
Risk Factors
Individuals and athletes involved in full contact sports such as football, baseball and basketball are more likely to be affected by this condition. Contusions can also result from an accident or fall as well.
Treatment
A thorough examination, patient history assessment and discussion of the manner in which the injury occurred will help determine diagnosis. An X-ray may also be taken in order to determine if there is an associated
fracture that must first be addressed. After first addressing any accompanying fracture, treatment generally consist of a period of rest followed by rehabilitative range of motion exercises. |
