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We all know what it's like to get a bruise – that familiar discolouration and tenderness on the skin. But did you know that your bones can also bruise? Although less common than skin bruises, bone bruises can be quite painful and may limit your activities. At Spectrum Healthcare, serving the North Ryde, Macquarie Park, and Sydney areas, our team of physiotherapy and chiropractic professionals is experienced in diagnosing and treating bone bruises.

What is a Bone Bruise?

A bone bruise, also known as bone marrow edema, occurs when trauma damages the bone’s surface or underlying tissue. This trauma, such as a strong impact, results in swelling and tiny fractures within the bone itself. Bone bruises are commonly seen in the knee, as it is a weight-bearing joint that is susceptible to injury.

How Does a Bone Bruise Happen?

Several factors can lead to a bone bruise in the knee:

• Direct Trauma
  A direct blow to the knee, like a fall or collision during sports, is a common cause.
• Twisting Injuries
  Sudden pivoting or twisting motions, often seen in sports like netball, soccer, and football, can compress the bone surfaces.
• Overuse/Repetitive Stress
  Less frequently, repeated minor impacts, such as those experienced during long-distance running, can cause microtrauma and bruising.
• Ligament Injuries
  Bone bruises often occur alongside ligament injuries like ACL or MCL tears, as the force needed to damage the ligaments can also bruise the bone. Athletes in high-impact sports are at higher risk, but anyone can experience a bone bruise from an accident or fall.

Symptoms of a Bone Bruise

Diagnosing a bone bruise requires a thorough assessment. At Spectrum Healthcare, we look for these key signs:

• Dull, aching pain that is often constant and may disrupt sleep.
• Sharp, catching sensation with weight-bearing or specific movements.

Imaging Techniques

To confirm a diagnosis and rule out other issues, imaging is essential.

• X-ray: Usually the first step to rule out fractures. Bone bruises themselves don't appear on X-rays.
• MRI: The gold standard for diagnosing bone bruises, as it reveals bone marrow edema and assesses soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage.
• CT Scan: Used in complex cases to evaluate bone structure in detail.

How Can Spectrum Healthcare Help with Bone Bruises in North Ryde and Macquarie Park?

Our physio and chiro teams at Spectrum Healthcare play a vital role in managing bone bruises. Since a bone bruise impacts normal knee function, the body often develops compensatory movement patterns. Our goal is to address these compensations, restore proper function, and assist you in regaining your ability to bear weight comfortably.

Here's how we can help:

• Supervised Rest
  Rest is essential for healing, but it needs to be targeted and monitored. We'll provide a customised rest plan tailored to your specific needs.
• Bracing
  We may recommend a brace to immobilise the knee for a period, promoting healing. Our team will properly fit and adjust the brace and provide guidance on its use.
• Sports Massage & Soft Tissue Therapies
  Techniques such as massage, cupping, and dry needling can help reduce pain and sensitivity in the affected area, allowing for more effective rehabilitation.
• Joint Mobilisation
  Gentle techniques to restore proper knee joint mobility and reduce stress on surrounding tissues.
• Rehabilitation Exercises
  We'll develop a comprehensive exercise program to strengthen surrounding muscles and correct any compensatory movement patterns.
• Referral
  If needed, we'll connect you with our trusted network of medical professionals for further evaluation or treatment.