Bruised Hand (Contusion)
A bruised hand (also known as a hand contusion) occurs due to a direct trauma of the hand, resulting in bleeding and subsequent bruising. Impacts and crush injuries are the most common causes.
Symptoms of a Bruised Hand
- Pain on impact.
- Tender to touch the hand.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Pain on gripping or moving the hand.
- Difficulty moving the fingers fully.
Treatment
- Rest.
- Apply ice (in a towel) or a cold therapy product to ease bleeding and swelling.
- Use a compression bandage to reduce bleeding and swelling.
- Elevate the hand above the level of the heart to ease bleeding and swelling.
- Improvement in symptoms will usually be seen within 2-3 days.
- If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
- An X-ray may be required to check there are no fractures.
