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Can You Bruise a Bone in Your Hand?
When you think of a bruise, you likely picture a black-and-blue mark on your skin. A bruise happens when blood leaks under the surface after a blood vessel is damaged. You might think this happens only to soft surfaces and that your bones are an exception. That’s why many people ask, “Can you bruise a bone in your hand?” You can bruise any living tissue, including bones.
What Does a Bone Bruise Feel Like?
A bone bruise feels like a stronger version of a regular bruise. While a bruise on your skin or muscle feels sore when touched, a bone bruise causes a deep, dull, throbbing pain from inside your body. However, the pain you feel is less than hand or finger fractures.
Causes of a Bone Bruise
Your hands are probably the most used part of your body. Therefore, they can be prone to minor injuries daily. Following are some common causes of a bone bruise:
- Direct Trauma: A hit to the bone, such as from a fall, accident, or contact sports, can cause blood and fluid to build up in the bone marrow, leading to pain and swelling.
- Twisting Injuries: Twisting motions, like in joint sprains, can pull cartilage away from the bone, causing bruising under the surface.
- Repetitive Stress: Repeated activities like running or jumping on hard surfaces can gradually bruise the bone over time.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like arthritis can increase the risk of bone bruises, as the bones may rub together, making them more vulnerable.
Diagnosis & Treatment of a Bone Bruise
Hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Luo of Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA, will examine the injured area and ask about your symptoms. He might ask questions like what you were doing when the pain and swelling began and if any activities made it better or worse. He might also ask for imaging tests, including:
- MRI
- Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- X-rays
Treating a Bone Bruise
The goal is to relieve pressure on the bone and support healing.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow your provider’s instructions and avoid taking them for more than 10 days without advice.
- Physical Therapy: A therapist can guide you through stretches and exercises to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and restore movement, especially if the bruise is near a joint.
- Immobilization: You may need a splint, brace, or cast to keep the bone in place and reduce strain. Your provider will tell you how long to use it.
Bone Bruise Recovery Time
Your healthcare provider will advise you on how long to avoid putting weight on your injured bone. Most bone bruises heal slowly over 1 to 2 months, but larger ones may take longer. You might not be able to resume sports activities for several weeks or even months.
Can You Exercise with a Bone Bruise?
You can exercise with a bone bruise, but you need to be cautious. You must consider:
- Checking with a Professional: Talk to a healthcare provider or physical therapist before starting any exercise to get advice tailored to your injury.
- Paying Attention to Pain: Stop any activity that causes pain or discomfort. Gentle movement can help heal, but pushing through pain can worsen the injury.
Closing Note
Your bones might not reveal a clear pinkish, purplish, or bluish scar as your skin does upon bruising. However, due to pain, you might question, “Can you bruise a bone?” They are living tissues inside your body. You can injure them the same way you injure your skin.
Visit our hand and upper extremity specialist, Dr. Luo, at Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association for Hand Surgery. Dial any of the following numbers to book an appointment.