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How can you care for a quadriceps bruise?
- Immediately after the injury, put ice or a cold pack on the injured area of your thigh for 20 minutes. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. While you apply ice, lie on your back. Bend your knee enough that you can feel a gentle stretch in the front of your thigh. Try to bend your knee to about 90 degrees. Use pillows to prop your bent leg up so you can relax in that position. Repeat the icing with your knee bent every 2 hours for the first 48 to 72 hours.
- Rest your injured leg. Don't put weight on it for a day or two. If your doctor advises you to, use crutches to rest the leg.
- Wrapping your thigh with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap) will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, though. A tight wrap can cause more swelling below the affected area.
- Prop up your leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Don't do anything that makes the pain worse. Return to your usual level of activity slowly.
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