What is Foot Contusion
Foot contusion is a deep bruise to the foot. Deep bruises can happen when an injury causes bleeding under the skin. The skin over the bruise may be red and then turn blue, purple, or yellow.
Minor injuries will give you a deep bruise that is painless, but deep bruises that are worse may stay painful and swollen for a few weeks. In general, the best treatment for this condition includes rest, ice, pressure (compression), and elevation. This is often called RICE therapy.
Follow these instructions at home:
RICE Therapy
- Rest the injured area. Try to avoid standing or walking while your foot hurts.
- If
directed, put ice on the injured area:
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
- If
told, put light pressure (compression) on the injured area using an
elastic wrap.
- Make sure the wrap is not too tight. If your toes turn numb, cold, or blue, take the wrap off and put it back on more loosely.
- Remove and put the wrap back on as told by your doctor.
- Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
General instructions
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Use crutches as told by your doctor, if this applies.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- Your symptoms do not get better after many days of treatment.
- You have more redness, swelling, or pain in your foot or toes.
- You have trouble moving the injured area.
- Medicine does not help your swelling or pain.
Get help right away if:
- You have very bad pain.
- Your foot or toes are numb.
- Your foot or toes turn very light (pale) or cold.
- You cannot move your foot or ankle.
- Your foot feels warm when you touch it.
