Horse kiss

definition

Horse kiss is a slang term for a bruise in the area of ​​the thigh, knee or calf. The medical term for this is contusion.

The term “horse kiss” is probably derived from injuries caused by hoof kicks that cause painful bruises. In some regions of Germany they are also called deer, pork knuckle or Schenkerl. Thigh bruises that occur in sports with violent physical contact, such as violent ramming of an opponent, are usually referred to as a horse kiss. The skin is typically intact because the forces involved are blunt.

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Causes of a horse kiss

The causes of a thigh contusion are blunt external force. These include kicks, bumps, or falls. If you talk about a horse kiss in sport, an opposing player is usually involved. Especially in contact sports such as handball and football and in martial arts, horse kisses are frequent and happen accidentally or intentionally. The visible swelling and the resulting bruise are due to a squeezing of the muscles and damage to small blood vessels through which blood leaks into the tissue.

Read more on the topic: Injuries in football

Diagnosis of a horse kiss

Diagnostically, horse kisses are quicker than Eye diagnosis to identify when one remembers the triggering situation. Even with moderate body contact, major bruises can occur. The lateral thigh in particular is sensitive to this - the cause is the less flexible tendon plate that runs through it Iliotibial band.

Previous illnesses and medication of the person affected, which increase the sensitivity to bruising, can be diagnostic. This includes people with the hemophilia or taking Blood thinners. If an injury can be ruled out as the cause of the horse kiss, further clarification should be carried out with the doctor.

Symptoms of the horse kiss

A horse kiss is very painful. The Pain in the thigh usually occur acutely after the injury and can intensify under pressure or strain. Damage to vessels causes blood and lymph fluid to escape into the tissue around the affected area and a bruise (a so-called Hematoma) and a swelling occur. The area initially appears red and is very sensitive to pain. A horse kiss can significantly reduce mobility. As it heals, the bruise takes on different colors within a few days, initially blue, then purple to brown, green and finally yellow.

Read more on the topic: Thigh pain

Treatment of a horse kiss

As is usual with bruises, a horse should kiss after the so-called PECH rule be proceeded.

The sporting activity should be interrupted immediately (Break) and immobilize the extremity. Local for cooling ice be used. This reduces the blood flow and less blood seeps into the tissue, the spread of swelling and bruising is reduced. A tight one Compression bandage supports this process. A cooling, anti-inflammatory ointment can be applied beforehand. Then it has to Leg elevated This also reduces blood flow and the resulting swelling.

The sports break should be observed until the bruise has healed. Can as needed Painkiller be taken, which further curb the inflammation. That includes Ibuprofen or Diclofenacwhich can also be used as an ointment. Painkillers that have a strong blood thinning effect should not be taken.

Tape bandaging with a horse kiss

With a variety of sports injuries, including bruises and horse kisses, becomes Tape bandages devices. Kinesiological tapes are self-adhesive, elastic tapes that are applied to the skin using special taping techniques. They are supposed to accelerate the healing of the injury, so far there are no studies on their effectiveness.

Many doctors, sports therapists and physiotherapists use them in their daily practice, especially for the prophylaxis and therapy of Sports injuries or Movement pain. Attaching tapes requires a special technique. A self-application is also possible according to instructions.

A tape bandage for horse kisses looks like this: A Glued cross, the ends are carefully painted out. With two more tapes that will be star-shaped pattern accomplished. All tape strips cross in the pain center.

Massage horse kiss

A massage in the late healing phase of the horse's kiss can help relieve muscle tension.

In the Acute phase is essential from a massage of the affected area not advised. Massage and pressure with a fresh horse kiss increases the blood flow to the tissue and swelling and bruising take on much larger proportions. Therefore, you should initially avoid a massage.

Also in the further course the area is initially very sensitive to pain; however, there is often tension and tension after bruises Hardening of the muscle. These can go through gentle stroking and massaging be relaxed. The attending physician or physiotherapist can assess when a massage is advisable during the healing phase.

Duration of a horse kiss

How long the bruise takes to heal depends on the extent of the injury. The more pronounced the horse kiss, the longer it takes to completely heal. In addition, the healing time depends on how carefully the Sports break and healing-supporting measures be performed.

It is completely natural that the Color of the bruise changed within a few days: This is due to the breakdown of the red blood substance, des Hemoglobins, together. With rapid regeneration without further stress and regular aftercare, the horse kiss should be within two to three weeks be healed. The visible bruise may have disappeared prematurely in spite of the continued pain. Even then, you should continue to take a break from exercising.

Read more on the topic: bruise

Localization of the horse kiss

Horse kiss on the thigh

He is often affected by a horse kiss Thighas they are often affected by injuries from kicks or bumps in contact sports. The Thigh muscles is large and on the side by a sinewy plate reinforced, which tensions it and therefore makes it less flexible for violent shocks. This high sensitivity often results extensive bruisesthat can spread over the entire page.

There is an injury to the thigh very painful, especially when moving the hip, as this causes the tendon plate, the Iliotibial band, is additionally tensioned. After an injury, you should refrain from sporting activities; at the beginning even running can be painful.

Horse kiss on the calf

Has blunt violence on them calf a, bruises with bruises can also arise here. This is a typical one Injury in football.

It comes to swelling the affected area and Calf pain. Stretching the calf is especially painful. Again, follow the steps of PECH rule procedures are: sports break, initially cooling, compression and elevation of the extremity. If necessary you can pain reliever drugs are taken, strong blood-thinning painkillers such as ASA are less recommended.

Read more on the topic: Calf pain

Horse kiss on the knee

Forced kicks, bumps or falls can also lead to a horse kiss on the joints. One of the most common injuries here is the Knee contusion. Blood vessels and lymph vessels are squeezed and torn; liquid escapes. This leads to Knee swelling; possibly develops Joint effusion in the knee which can lead to severe pain when mobilized.

Do not put strain on the joint; even walking can lead to severe pain. As with all bruises, the first step is to cool, apply a compression bandage and raise the leg. This reduces blood flow in the joint and less blood and lymph fluid leak from the injured vessels into the surrounding tissue.

Since knee joint injuries are very painful, they can be used as needed Painkiller be taken. There are a host of other injuries to that too Knee pain can lead, for example Ligament injury in the knee joint. The doctor can make the diagnosis by taking a careful anamnesis; it is particularly important to describe in detail the triggering situation, i.e. the external force or the movement that led to the pain.