Contusion Treatment in San Antonio

How Are Contusions Diagnosed?

Most contusions can be assessed with a physical exam, but our sports medicine physicians take a thorough approach to ensure there isn't a more significant injury beneath the surface. During your visit, we'll discuss how the injury occurred, when your symptoms began, and how they've progressed. We'll also perform a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate swelling, tenderness, range of motion, strength, and your body's response to movement.

If needed, imaging studies may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other injuries. X-rays are commonly used to check for fractures, while ultrasound can help evaluate muscle damage. In certain cases, particularly when a deep muscle contusion isn't healing as expected, or symptoms persist, an MRI may be ordered to provide a more detailed view of the injured tissues.

This thorough evaluation is important because what appears to be a simple bruise can sometimes conceal a more serious injury, such as a fracture, muscle tear, or, in rare cases, compartment syndrome, a condition where swelling creates dangerous pressure within the muscle. Identifying the true cause of your pain early allows us to recommend the most effective treatment plan and help you return to your normal activities as safely as possible.