What are bumps, knocks and bruises?

Bumps, knocks and bruises are usually minor injuries that happen when you hit or bump into something. Bumps, knocks and bruises are most common in children and older adults, and can lead to tenderness (pain) and skin discolouration.

Bumps, knocks and bruises are usually easy to treat.

What are the symptoms of bumps, knocks and bruises?

Bumps and knocks often affect your joints, such as your elbows and knees. When your joints are injured they can become:

• swollen
• tender
• painful to move
  

Bruising affects your skin, and can cause your skin to:

• look purple or red
• feel sore or tender
• become swollen

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What causes bruises?

A bruise often appears after you have:

• been knocked
• been bumped
• fallen over
• knocked part of your body against something
• been hit by something hard like a stick or cricket ball

A bruise happens when the small blood vessels under your skin are damaged. Often a bump or knock damages your blood vessels but does not break your skin. This causes blood to leak out of your damaged blood vessels, making a purple or red mark underneath your skin.

A bruise can become yellow or light green. This happens when your injury is healing.

It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for a bruise to heal completely.

When should I see my doctor?

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you are having trouble breathing or you have had a head injury and feel confused.

Sometimes it's hard to tell if a bump, knock or bruise is serious. You should see a doctor if:

• you have a lot of pain
• you can't move the injured joint
• your injury is swelling or bruising very quickly
• you have knocked your head
• you are worried about your injury

You should also see your doctor if:

• you have a family history of bleeding disorders
• you seem to bruise more easily than other people
• you have bruises on many parts of your body
• you have frequent bleeding, such as nosebleeds

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When to seek urgent care?

Get urgent care by going to your nearest emergency department or calling triple zero (000) and asking for an ambulance, if:

• your limb is twisted or bent
• there is bone coming through your skin
• your skin feels cold or sweaty
• you are having difficulty breathing
• you have a fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher)
• you have knocked your head, and you feel confused or disoriented

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How are bumps, knocks and bruises treated?

The treatment for a bump, knock or bruise will depend on how severe it is.

Self-care at home

For a minor bump, knock or bruise, you can reduce the swelling and bruising by using the RICE method:

• Rest the injured body part.
• Ice it with a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth. Do this for 10 minutes every 2 to 4 hours. Continue to do this for 24 to 48 hours.
• Compress the area with a bandage which is firm, but not tight. Do not wear the bandage at night.
• Elevate the injured area higher than the level of your heart. For example, put an injured arm or leg on a few pillows.

Other treatment options

If your injury is more severe, you may need specific treatment:

• Fractures are treated by immobilising (keeping still) the injured limb using a splint or plaster cast.
• Dislocated joints are treated by putting the joint back into place. Don't try to do this yourself. Always get medical help for a dislocation.
• Bleeding injuries should be washed gently with clean water or saline and then covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing.

Talk to your pharmacist about pain relief medicines if you are in pain.

It's also a good idea to learn basic first aid. You can find a first aid course in your area or online.

Can bumps, knocks and bruises be prevented?

Not all bumps, knocks and bruises can be prevented.

Young children often get a lot of bumps and bruises. This is because they're usually more physically active and they're still learning balance and coordination. Older children and teenagers often get bumps and bruises when playing sports.

To help prevent injuries, you can:

• supervise children at all times
• encourage children to wear protective gear such as shin, elbow and knee guards when playing sports

Older adults sometimes bruise easily. This is because they often have weaker blood vessels that are easily damaged by a knock or bump. This can cause bruises that are quite large and dark in colour.

To help reduce your risk of injuries, you can:

• get rid of clutter and keep hallways clear
• make sure your house and outdoor areas have good lighting
• always mop up any spills

• see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for exercises to help improve your balance
• have your hearing and vision checked regularly, as problems with either can affect your balance

What are the complications of bumps, knocks and bruises?

Some people bruise easily, which may be a complication of:

• medicines such as aspirin and anticoagulants (blood thinners), which make you more likely to bruise
• a blood-clotting problem or blood disease, however this is rare

See a doctor if you're concerned about your bruising.

Sometimes bumps or bruises are caused deliberately (on purpose). If your bruises were not caused by an accident, you should get help. You can talk to someone you trust, whether it's a:

• trusted friend or family member
• doctor
• nurse
• counsellor

Resources and support

The Perth Children's Hospital offers more information on head injuries and when to seek medical help.

If you or someone you know has experienced physical assault, various organisations offer confidential support:

• Call 1800 RESPECT.org.au on 1800 737 732 any time or chat online.
• Contact Full Stop Australia. Call 1800 385 578 or use their online counselling service.

Languages other than English

If English is not your preferred language, the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has fact sheets available in multiple languages, including:

• the symptoms and treatment for a head injury
• when you can return to school or sport following a head injury

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.