Originally Posted by
Dogwood
A contusion is a hematoma, the medical term for a bruise. Bone contusions are bruises on or inside the bone. The Doc ordered an X-ray to look for and rule out breaks or fractures. Bone contusions and ligament damage don't always show up on x rays. If the Doc thought it was more serious they would, and still might, order an MRI after swelling subsides. Bone contusions, in the incidences I've experienced them, took longer to heal than surface contusions. If it was me I'd use the RICE protocol, get a follow up MRI to check for stretched or partially torn ligaments and cartilage damage, and supplement with Ca, D, Mg, K2, hyaluronic acid, MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin, Arnica(I took it orally and applied it topically when experiencing an inflamed left ankle resulting from ligament tears, ankle bone contusions, and a compound break), Boswellia serrata, turmeric, Alapha Lipoic acid, and Bromelain. Most of those vitamins and supplements were gained in sufficient quantity in my food choices or in multi form rather than all singularly. I had already adopted an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle but double downed on their application. A boot was worn for some two months. I did physio rehab 2x weekly but more on my own with rubber bands. The Podiatrist and Orthopedist both said they never saw anyone reduce swelling and heal as fast. They were so enamored with the rate of healing they took notes from me. Everything healed. Two wks after my boot was off. I still sometimes used crutches. I started a completed NOBO AT thru hike one week after I layed down the crutches. My ankle was still sore. I weened off any supplemental NSAIDs on trail. I never fully relied on then anyway. I moderated pace and distance, walking mindfully.