Foot Contusion

Description of contusion

Contusion is a lesion of the heel cushion, typically experienced by handball goalkeepers and athletes who often land on the heel after jumping. The reason for the bruising is fractures in the tight connective tissue that make up the network from bone to skin around the heel’s cushion. This pushes the fatty tissue of the pad out of the heel’s contact surface subsequently reducing its protective effect. Because the skin is thusly closer to the bone it becomes sore by strain or overuse.

Symptoms

• Soreness throughout the heel.
• The cushion feels loose and slippery.
• Signs of inflammation in the area (heat, redness, swelling, etc.).

Examination

• Analysis / inspection / palpation.
• Walk on the heel (pain registration).

Treatment of contusion

• Contusion tape.
• Shock absorbing heel insert.
• Heel bowl (with hole / cavity in the middle).
• Proper running shoes.
• Ultrasound (continuous / pulsating), 3 Mhz, 0.5-1 W cm2.
• K-Lazer.
• In the acute phase, a doctor may choose to give NSAIDs

Technically, there is no rehabilitation for this injury as it is more a matter of relieving the damage. However, you should pay attention to training the rest of the body so that you do not lose your current mobility, stability, and strength. Figure out what kind of training you can do, and work out according to the level you can work at. Exercising the rest of the body accelerates healing of your injury, among other things, since training increases nerve activity and circulation.