Most people experience bruises at some point. Bruising can cause noticeable discoloration and tenderness, and it may feel sore when touched. But sometimes bruising can occur deeper than the surface of the skin—so what does that mean, and how can it affect the way an injury feels and heals?

Bone marrow edemas, or bone bruises, can develop after an injury or traumatic blow to a part of the body. Generally, when a blood vessel breaks near the surface of the skin, blood leaks into the tissues under the skin and creates a bruise. These bruises can occur deeper within the bones as well.

Bone Bruise Symptoms

Some symptoms of a bone bruise include:

• Swelling
• Change of skin color
• Joint pain near the impact zone
• Joint inflammation and stiffness
• Pain or tenderness that continues after a skin bruise has disappeared

Bone bruises may lead to bone marrow changes that decrease blood flow, increase severe inflammation, and produce fluid inside of the bones. They are the most serious and painful bruises that a person can have, and usually are viewed as the stage before a fracture. Bone bruises can involve swelling and bleeding of the central cavity, between the cartilage and the bone underneath, or beneath the membrane covering the bone’s surface. Because of the severity, bone bruises typically take a couple of months to fully heal, if not longer.

How to Tell if a Bone is Fractured or Bruised​?

A common question after an injury is how to tell if a bone is fractured or bruised. Both a bone fracture and a bone bruise can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. That’s why it isn’t always obvious right away. In general, a bone bruise may feel like deep, aching soreness that slowly improves. A fracture is more likely to cause sharper pain, pinpoint tenderness over the bone, and difficulty using the area normally, especially with movement or weight-bearing. Because symptoms can overlap, the difference isn’t always clear without an exam and imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bone Bruises

How long does a bone bruise take to heal​?

A bone bruise can take several weeks to a few months to heal, depending on its severity and location. Mild bone bruises may improve within 4–6 weeks, while deeper bone bruises can take several months to fully resolve.

What does a bone bruise feel like?

A bone bruise often feels like deep, aching pain that comes from inside the bone rather than the surface. The area may feel sore with pressure, movement, or weight-bearing, and stiffness or swelling is common.

How long do bone bruises last​?

Bone bruises may last weeks or months, depending on the amount of internal bone damage and how much stress is placed on the area during recovery. Symptoms usually improve gradually rather than suddenly.

How painful is a bone bruise​?

Pain from a bone bruise can range from mild to significant. Some people experience constant soreness, while others notice pain mainly during activity or pressure. Bone bruises often hurt longer than surface bruises because they involve deeper bone tissue.

Can a bone bruise get infected?​

A bone bruise does not typically become infected, since there is no open wound. Infection would be uncommon unless there is a nearby skin break, surgery, or another condition that introduces bacteria to the area.

Do bones swell when bruised?

Swelling can occur with a bone bruise. The swelling usually affects the surrounding soft tissues and joint area, rather than the bone itself, and may contribute to stiffness and discomfort.

When to Consider Further Evaluation

Ongoing pain, swelling, or limited movement may benefit from further evaluation. An orthopedic appointment can help assess symptoms and determine whether additional care is needed. You can request an appointment or call us at 732-720-2555 with AOSMI to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.

It is often believed that osteoarthritis cannot be detected in its earliest stages, but a recent study has shown that a new blood test may be able to do just that. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes cartilage to break down, inflicting pain, swelling, and problems with joint movement in millions of individuals throughout the country. Not only is there a test that can detect the early stages of this disease, but the test is also able to distinguish osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis by classifying the type of arthritis an individual has.

By 2030, it is estimated that 20% of Americans will have surpassed their 65th birthday and be at increased risk for osteoarthritis. Yet, because of this new test, orthopedic specialists can intervene earlier in the disease’s progression, preventing millions of patients from experiencing the pain and suffering associated with osteoarthritis.

The blood test searches for chemical patterns within the joint proteins, or amino acids, that have been damaged in any way.  The combinations of changes in these amino acids are what have allowed for the early-stage detection and classification of arthritis. Though researchers have known that protein damage is an indication of osteoarthritis, this is the first study conducted to enable early-stage detection and diagnosis. A blood test can be used by measuring the pieces of damaged proteins that seep into the blood from the joint.

This new blood test, which can help an orthopedic specialist with early diagnosis and treatment, should be available within two years. Compared with other techniques that attempt to detect early stages of osteoarthritis, a blood test is less costly, less time-consuming, and more efficient. By detecting this disease early, future physical anguish can be avoided, and more patients can enjoy fulfilling lives without the debilitating effects of osteoarthritis.

To learn more about osteoarthritis and your risk for developing the condition, schedule an appointment with a specialist at AOSMI today!

There is an ongoing debate about whether alkaline water can be beneficial in assisting individuals with the healing processes of the body. Though it is suggested to have some health benefits, there is no scientific evidence to prove that alkaline water is of therapeutic value, specifically with bone health.

Many people discuss the potential benefits of alkaline water as opposed to basic drinking water.  There have been claims about its various therapeutic effects, but there are no studies to confirm that alkaline water can, in fact, help you heal. There are more studies that suggest the potential negative effects of alkaline water.  These effects include:

• Poisonous reactions
• Reduction in gallbladder processes
• Reduction in stomach acidity used to kill bacteria
• Heart problems

There have also been claims made on the effects of alkaline water on bone resorption, the process where old bone cells are broken down and replaced by new ones.  Supporters of alkaline water claim it reduces bone resorption by increasing the mineral density in bones, thereby increasing overall bone strength. Yet, these findings are only based on a study of thirty women. It is also uncertain whether alkaline water can reduce bone resorption in the long term.  Other claims suggest alkaline water can prevent disease processes, but strong evidence finds the opposite to be true in the prevention of osteoporosis.  

Overall, alkaline water has not been proven to help heal individuals. However, an orthopedic specialist can assist individuals by developing a strategy toward healing and promoting long-term bone health. Contact AOSMI to schedule an appointment to learn what our team of specialists can do for you.

Because their bones are still growing and strengthening, children are at increased risk for orthopedic injuries. A common injury sustained by children is known as a growth plate fracture. Growth plates are found at either end of the long bones of the body, such as the femur in the thigh and the bones in the forearms and hands. As the child grows, the long bones grow from the solidification of the growth plates into solid bone.

Because of the instrumental nature of the growth plates in the development of the skeletal structure as a child matures, any damage to the growth plate can result in curved or uneven growth of the bones. Growth plate fractures are classified depending on the way the bone is impacted. The classification, as well as other factors like which bone is affected and the age of the child, determine the course of treatment.

Treatment for bone plate fractures can be surgical or nonsurgical. Nonsurgical treatment typically involves bracing the bones in the proper alignment so that they are forced to stay in the correct position as they heal. However, depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery to the bone plate may be required.  The procedure can involve moving the bone fragments back into their proper positions and then wiring, screwing, or plating them to remain in proper alignment.

For all growth plate fractures, treatment is most effective if the condition is addressed early. After a week or so, the bones will begin to heal, and any misalignment may not be reversible. If you believe your child has sustained a growth plate fracture, schedule an appointment immediately with an orthopedic specialist at Advanced Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute.

Pain in the joints can have a variety of causes. For some, the pain is caused by an impact, repetitive stress, or another injury. For others, chronic joint pain can be a symptom of a condition like arthritis. Joint pain can cause many debilitating short and long term effects, including impaired mobility and permanent damage to the joints. No matter the cause, pain in the joints is an indication that something is not right with your body, and proper treatment will be needed to restore functioning and manage or eliminate pain.

What patients may not know is that these treatments are not necessarily surgical. Before resorting to surgery, an orthopedic specialist may recommend any of the following to treat or manage joint pain.

• Physical Therapy. A physical therapist will teach the patient exercises that build strength and promote flexibility. By practicing these exercises regularly, the joint can strengthen and pain can lessen.

• Massage. By carefully applying pressure to the joint and areas around it, a massage therapist can alleviate pain in the joint. Massage techniques can also be taught to patients to utilize ongoing.

• Bracing. Wearing a brace on the affected joint(s), particularly if pain is the result of a repetitive or sports injury, lessens pressure on the affected joint, allowing cartilage around the joint to heal.

• Injections. Injections, such as corticosteroids or Hyaluronic Acid , can lessen joint pain and inflammation. However, these results are typically short-term, and ongoing treatments are required.

• Acupuncture. This ancient Eastern medical tradition involves the application of small needles to various points on the body, relieving tight or spastic muscles.

To learn more about both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for joint pain, schedule an appointment with the NJ orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute.