From the Guidelines
The initial treatment for a contusion on the left upper arm should involve the application of ice with water for 20 minutes, interrupted every 20 minutes, or intermittent 10-minute cooling if 20 minutes causes discomfort, as recommended by the 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross international consensus on first aid science 1. This approach is supported by the principle of reducing blood flow to the injured area, which limits swelling and internal bleeding within the muscle tissue.
- Key considerations include:
- Applying ice with water, rather than ice alone, to effectively cool the injured area 1.
- Limiting each application of cold to periods of 20 minutes to prevent cold injury, with the option to reduce to 10 minutes if discomfort occurs 1.
- Possibly using a barrier, such as a thin towel, between the cold container and the skin to prevent direct contact 1.
- It is also important to note that while compression and elevation are often part of the RICE protocol, the provided evidence does not explicitly support their use for contusions, focusing instead on the application of cold for initial treatment 1.
- Pain management and further treatment should be guided by clinical judgment, considering the severity of the contusion and the patient's overall condition.
From the Research
Initial Treatment for Contusion
The initial treatment for a contusion on the left upper arm involves several steps to control inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing.
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the injury is crucial in the initial stages of treatment 2.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain 2, 3.
- Compression: Using compression bandages or wraps can help reduce swelling 3.
- Elevation: Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling and promote blood flow 3.
- Pain management: Analgesics can be used to relieve pain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce swelling and inflammation 2, 4.
Additional Considerations
In more severe cases, additional treatments such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation may be necessary to promote healing 2.
- Medical therapy: Corticosteroid injections may be beneficial in reducing inflammation, but require precautions and patient cooperation 2.
- Rehabilitation: Therapeutic exercises should be prescribed to restore range of motion, strength, and endurance once the initial inflammation has subsided 2.
Importance of Proper Treatment
Proper treatment of contusions is essential to prevent complications and promote optimal healing.