Imagine a quiet afternoon when Grandma Li was busy in the living room of her home when she suddenly slipped and fell, causing severe pain and swelling in her wrists and knees. This is not uncommon for many middle-aged and older people. Bruises, such as abrasions, sprains or strains, are common but can easily go unnoticed until they seriously affect our daily lives. The right way to understand and cope with bruises will not only reduce the pain, but also speed up the recovery process and avoid possible long-term effects.
Bruises: Do you really know about them?
1. What is a bruise?
Bruises usually refer to injuries to muscles, bones, and soft tissues caused by external forces acting directly on the body. They are usually divided into the following categories:
Abrasions: Damage to the epidermis, usually caused by the friction of the skin against a hard object after a fall.
Sprain: A strain or tear in a joint or muscle that is suddenly twisted beyond its normal range of motion.
Strains: Injuries to muscles or tendons due to overstretching.
Fracture: A bone that breaks due to impact or excessive pressure.
Each type of injury requires a different initial approach and subsequent treatment.
2. Immediate response to injury
In the event of a bruise, proper immediate treatment is key to preventing the injury from getting worse and speeding up recovery. The basic processing steps include:
Rest: Avoid continuing to use the injured area to prevent further injury.
Ice: Applying ice for 20 minutes every few hours, especially for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Compression: An elastic bandage is used to immobilize the injured area, which helps control swelling and supports the injured tissue.
Elevation: Elevating the injured area above the heart can help reduce the buildup of blood and fluids in the injured area.
3. When seeking medical help becomes necessary
While many minor bruises can be self-managed at home, in some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional medical help:
Pain that continues to worsen: Pain that isn't relieved by regular self-care or gradually gets worse.
Loss of function: Severe functional limitations in the injured area, such as inability to bear weight or limited mobility.
Significant morphological changes: If the joint is visibly deformed, it may be a sign of a severe sprain or fracture.
Prolonged swelling: The swelling doesn't improve after a few days, or the swelling is expanding in scope.
First aid essentials: Take the RISER's maneuver immediately after a bruising
Bruises are very common in life, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. The first step in dealing with this type of injury is to adopt the RIER principle, which is a simple and effective set of first aid measures designed to reduce pain and swelling and prevent further injury. Understanding and applying the RIER principles is essential to mitigate the initial injury.
休息（Rest）：
Rest is the first step in preventing the injury from getting worse. Immediately after the injury, any activities that may worsen the injury should be stopped. For example, if you accidentally sprain your ankle, stop walking, sitting or lying down immediately to reduce pressure and avoid further injury.
Ice:
Using ice packs or cold packs can effectively reduce blood flow and help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be started immediately after injury for 20 minutes and repeated every one to two hours for 48 hours. Be careful not to place ice directly on the skin to avoid frostbite.
压迫（Compression）：
Moderate compression of the injured area with an elastic bandage can help control swelling and provide support. The bandage should be wound from the distal end (hands and feet) towards the heart, taking care not to wrap it too tightly so as not to obstruct blood circulation.
抬高（Elevation）：
Elevating the injured area above the heart helps reduce blood flow to the injured area, thereby reducing swelling. For example, if the injury is to the leg, you can use a pillow to elevate the leg while lying down.
转诊（Referral）：
For serious injuries, such as persistent pain, inability to bear weight, or rapid increase in swelling, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Your doctor may perform X-rays, prescribe medications, or recommend further treatments.
Medication and precautions: smart medication, safe pain relief
When dealing with bruises, medication is a common way to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Rational use of medications not only speeds up the recovery process, but also improves the quality of life.
Over-the-counter pain relievers:
For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen (paracetamol) are common options. These medications are effective in reducing pain and fighting inflammation. When using, it should be carried out according to the instructions or doctor's guidance, and pay attention not to exceed the recommended dose.
Topical pain creams and creams:
Topical plasters or creams that contain anti-inflammatory ingredients can be applied directly to the injured area, such as peppermint cream, indomethacin, or other herbal formulas. These products are absorbed locally through the skin and help relieve localized pain and swelling.
Precautions for use:
Long-term or excessive use of over-the-counter pain relievers may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, abnormal liver function, and other problems.
People who are allergic to any of the medications or have other health conditions, such as kidney or heart disease, should consult a physician before use.
Medication use should be combined with physical therapy methods, such as continuous ice and appropriate rest, to optimize treatment outcomes.