Bruises can not only be unattractive, they can also be painful. Not all pain at the site of a bruise is attributed to the bruise itself; it may be a deeper more serious injury.
What Causes a Bruise?
A bruise forms when blood vessels under the skin rupture. Usually we bruise after an injury such as bumping into an object or having an accident. The vessel ruptures and blood seeps into the tissue surrounding the area. It can swell and become discolored. Bruises can also be painful.
As we age we tend to bruise more easily from simple injuries. Specifically injuries to the hands, feet, legs and forearms are more likely to bruise. The skin becomes less elastic and thinner as we age because we have less fat under the skin to cushion it from minor injuries.
Why Does a Bruise Hurt?
The injury that caused the bruise may be the source of the pain around a bruise. You might have bruised a muscle or tendon deeper than just the vessels under the skin. The bruise can also hurt as this is an area where the vessel has ruptured and blood as pooled under the skin making it tender to touch for a few days. The pain will usually subside within a few days as the blood begins to be reabsorbed by the body. If the pain is severe or the size of the bruise is increasing you may need to have the injury checked by a physician to make certain that there is not a more serious injury under your skin.
How to Stop Bruises from Hurting
If you have a painful bruise you will need to rest the bruised area. Application of ice will help to reduce swelling and pain.
- Application of Ice – Ice applied immediately to the injured area can also help clot the blood and reduce the size of the bruise that forms.
- Avoid Heat – For the first 48 hours following an injury try to avoid exposing the bruised area to heat. Heat sources such as hot tub soaks, hot packs and hot showers can increase the swelling and the size of the bruise.
- Elevate – If possible elevate the bruised area, if you can keep the bruised area higher than the level of your heart you can decrease the swelling and increase the circulation to that area to help heal and reduce pain.
- Massage – Massaging gently can help rub out pain and increase the blood flow. If the pain increases when you rub the area, do not massage it.
- Compression – You can wrap the bruised area with a compression bandage like elastic sports wraps. This helps to decrease swelling and therefore reduce pain. Be careful not to wrap the area too tight. Symptoms of the wrap being too tight include numbness, tingling, coolness or swelling below the area of the bandage.
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