Paintball is one of the most intense sports in the world. It is also very tough. If you cannot take some bumps and bruises, you should not get involved. Along the way, it is almost certain that you’re going to experience some aches and pains. Nevertheless, the adrenaline of the game will give you the ability to power through it, without any troubles. After the game has ended, you’re going to feel it. So, how can you treat those paintball bruises and how long will it take to fully recover? You’ll find out below.
Using Cold Compress
In many cases, your bruises will lead to swelling. Depending on the impacted area, the swelling can really decrease your mobility. Finding a way to eliminate the swelling immediately is pertinent. This is where a cold compress will enter the picture. Just apply a cold object to the impacted area. An ice pack, frozen peas or even a frozen steak will do the trick. The cold will reduce the swelling rapidly, while also reducing blood circulation. If you have to bleed, the cold will limit it greatly.
Related Link: Causes and Remedies for Morning Swelling of the Hands and Feet
Causes and Remedies for Morning Swelling of the Hands and Feet
Keep It Elevated
It is also a good idea to keep the impacted limb elevated. If the bruise has developed on your chest or stomach, this might not be possible. However, if it is your leg or arm, you should do your best to prop the limb up at an angle. Make sure that it remains about the heart. If the wound is allowed to hang below the heart, it will receive more blood flow. That will result in more swelling and bleeding. Keeping it elevated will decrease swelling and bleeding.
Use Epsom Salt
Extreme Sports Land recommends Epsom Salt for paintball bruises. This is not a coincidence. Epsom Salt is one of the oldest remedies for bruises and wounds. It works exceptionally well for reducing pain and swelling associated with bruises and sprains. Even better is the fact that utilizing Epsom salt couldn’t be easier. Just run a warm bath and add two cups of Epsom salt. Take your bath as normal and your pain will be alleviated after you’ve exited the water. You can purchase Epsom salt online, at any pharmacy, or at your local big box store.
Heat After 48 Hours
After 48 hours, you’ll want to make the switch to heat. Just add hot water to a washcloth and apply it to the bruise for at least ten minutes. Continue this action three or four times each day. In return, this will increase the amount of blood circulation to the impacted area. That will cause the wound to heal much quicker.
Take Ibuprofen as Necessary
Even the strongest and toughest people in the world will experience pain that they cannot tolerate. If your pain becomes too much, you’ll want to consider taking Ibuprofen. Acetaminophen will work too. Just remember to follow the instructions on the label. The ibuprofen will help to null the pain, while also reducing swelling. Stay away from aspirin, because it could make the bleeding even worse! Also, do not overdo it. Take what is necessary and no more.
Edited by: Jessa (March 8, 2019)