Deep muscle bruise may keep gold medal hopeful Vonn off the slopes

American Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn may have had her gold medal hopes dashed by a deep muscle bruise to her right shin. Vonn is considered by most to be the top downhill skier in the world, and is expected to medal in all five of her downhill events in the upcoming Winter Olympics. She has been limited of late by a deep muscle bruise to her right shin, a very painful condition which is made worse by the ski boots she must wear pressing up against the muscle.

A bruise, or hematoma, forms after trauma to tissue. In this case the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg are involved, causing damage to the small blood vessels in the area and allowing blood to seep into the space. Bruises are generally harmless, but if the traumatic force is great enough they can lead to significant tissue damage. Bruises will begin as a localized dark blue/black and as the pooled blood cells begin to break down they will spread under forces of gravity and change colors to more green, yellow, and brown. This change in coloration is due to the breakdown of the blood cells. Bruises are painful not because of the pooling of blood but because of the underlying tissue damage that is causing the pooling.

Normal treatment of a bruise should follow the R.I.C.E method. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Do not use heat on a bruise as it will increase the discoloration and the area that it covers, and actually promote more swelling. If the bruise does not begin to dissipate, or at least become less painful, after 48 hours consult your physician. This may be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as a fracture, severe sprain or blood clot. The use of blood thinning medication such as Coumadin can cause an increase in the frequency of bruising.

Vonn will be racing against time even before she gets on the slope, hoping that her injury will have time to heal before she reports to the starting gate. She has begun to test the shin, walking around in her boot and going on a few runs. As disappointing as it would be to the fans of USA Olympic skiing to not have her go, we should all hope Vonn is at 100 percent before competing as the incredible speeds and control needed in her sport require it. Best of luck to Lindsey and all the Olympians preparing to represent their countries and live their dreams! After watching your favorite event be sure to check us out at www.yourfootdoctor.com.