What Is a Bone Contusion?

A bone contusion, often called a bone bruise, is an injury inside the bone caused by trauma or repeated stress. Unlike a fracture, the bone does not completely break, but the tissue inside the bone becomes damaged and swollen.

Bone bruises can happen in any bone in the body and are often linked to sports injuries, falls, or joint injuries. They may occur along with sprains, ligament injuries, or cartilage damage.

Symptoms

Bone bruises can cause discomfort that feels deeper and lasts longer than a typical bruise on the skin.

Common symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling near the injury
• Bruising or skin discoloration
• Joint stiffness
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Pain that worsens with activity

How Is It Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and how the injury happened. They will examine the area for swelling, tenderness, bruising, and changes in movement.

X-rays may be used to rule out a fracture, although bone bruises usually do not appear on standard imaging. If symptoms continue or more detail is needed, an MRI may help confirm the diagnosis.

How Is It Treated?

Most bone bruises improve with conservative treatment. Care often includes rest, ice, elevation, and limiting activities that place stress on the injured area.

Your provider may recommend a brace or support device to protect the bone while it heals. Pain-relieving medication and physical therapy may also help improve comfort and movement during recovery.

Healing time depends on the severity of the injury. Many people recover within a few weeks to a couple of months, though larger bone bruises may take longer to fully heal.