How Can I Help Myself Feel Better?
Apply a cold compress to the bruise to help slow down the blood that's flowing
to the area, which decreases the amount of blood that ends up leaking into the tissues.
It also helps keep the inflammation and swelling down. All you have to do is apply
cold to the bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for a day or two after the bruise
appears.
You don't need to buy a special cold pack, although they're great to keep on hand
in the freezer. Just get some ice, put it in a plastic bag, and wrap the bag in a
cloth or a towel and place it on the bruise (don't apply the ice directly to the skin).
Another trick is to use a bag of frozen vegetables. It doesn't matter what kind
— carrots, peas, lima beans, whatever — as long as they're frozen. A bag
of frozen vegetables is easy to apply to the bruise because it can form to the shape
of the injured area. Also, like a cold pack, it can be used and refrozen again and
again (just pick your least-favorite vegetables and label the bag — you don't
want to keep thawing and freezing veggies that you plan to eat!).
To reduce swelling and bruising, elevate the bruised area above the level of your
heart. In other words, if the bruise is on your shin, lie down on a couch or bed and
prop up your leg. This will help prevent blood from pooling in the area because more
of the blood will flow back toward your heart. If you keep standing, more blood will
flow to your bruised shin and the bruise will be larger.
Take acetaminophen for pain, if needed.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Minor bruises are easily treated, but it's probably best to talk to a doctor if:
- A bruise isn't improving after 2 weeks.
- You bruise often and bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
- Your bruise is swelling and very painful.
- You can't move a joint or you think you may have a broken bone.
- The bruise is near your eye and you have difficulty moving your eyes or seeing.
Can Bruises Be Prevented?
Bruises are kind of hard to avoid completely. But if you're playing sports, riding
your bike, inline skating, or doing anything where you might bump, bang, crash, or
smash into something, it's smart to wear protective gear like pads, shin guards, and
helmets. Taking just a few extra seconds to put on that gear might save you from a
couple of weeks of aches and pains.
Date reviewed: August 2018