Varicose veins aren’t the only cause of discoloration and pain in the legs. Bruising can do the same, though the two issues are very different. A bruise forms after trauma, sometimes after just a minor bump, when blood vessels break and leak blood under the skin. A good example of very minor injury is our minimally invasive laser vein treatment. We must irritate and collapse the veins in order to make them disappear, and this may cause vein bruising in some individuals. The pooled blood that causes bruise gradually passes through the color changing and disappearing process as the body absorbs it. If the injury mark is clearly uneven texture, it can indicate the appearance of hematoma. Hematoma is usually not considered to be a serious therapeutic condition. If you are experiencing hematoma or unusually heavy bruise, call or visit your vein doctor for an exam.

What Is a Bruise?

A bruise happens as a result of injury which damages the blood vessels without breaking the skin. Damaged vessels burst and start to sink under the skin, as a result of which blood gets accumulated. This pooled blood causes the discoloration you notice as a bruise. Bruises are usually reddish at first before becoming blue-purple. Most become greenish-yellow as they start to fade. The fading process can take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the bruise.

Some people are more likely to get bruises than others, but sometimes everyone gets bruises. As you age, you’re more likely to get bruise and varicose veins. Since their skin becomes thin with age, older people are more likely to get bruise. Vitamin C or K deficiency can also increase your risk of bruising, so can a family history of easy bruising.

Do Varicose Veins Cause Bruising?

Without an external injury, varicose veins don’t cause bruising. A varicose vein is bulging and weakened but it isn’t broken, so it shouldn’t leak. However, a varicose vein can rupture or leak if bumped hard enough. The vein is close to the surface, and the vein walls are already compromised, so it takes less force to break than a healthy vein. If you start to get bruises on a particular part of your leg regularly, look for other signs of varicose veins.

When Should You Worry?

Varicose veins are generally considered no significant risk for your overall health. However, some situations are where a medical professional is advised to check them. Consult a phlebologist if:

You experience new pain or discomfort: In the moment that your varicose veins suddenly begin to itch or cause pain, you should think about getting them looked out.

Your symptoms are getting worse: Untreated varicose veins weaken, causing pain and suffering. Treatment may decrease progression and improve comfort.

Your quality of life is affected: If your varicose veins make it difficult to live your life normally, it’s time to take treatment. Even if it’s just the issue of a self-image, you’re worth living your life completely.

Talk to a Vein Specialist

EliteVs is an established, patient-driven practice, dedicated to excellent care. If you’re feeling discomfort every day, call us. Meet with our vein specialist Nirman Tulsyan for consultation to understand why you have symptoms and what we can do to get you back on your feet again, comfortably.

Reasons behind Bruises

• Age: With increasing age, skin thins and loses elasticity due to the disappearance of the youthful fat cushion underneath and lower collagen production.
• Sun Exposure: Over time, UV rays from the sun damage your skin. Sun damage, wrinkles and bruising are all especially noticeable if you have lighter skin and if you’ve gone into the sun often without protection, such as sun block and clothing.
• Genetic Predisposition: If family members tend to bruise easily, you may have inherited this issue.
• Aspirin: Certain prescription and non-prescription medications increase the chance of bruising, especially blood thinners.
• Possible Abuse: If a friend suddenly has unexplained bruising, he/she may be suffering domestic abuse. If you learn that abuse is occurring, you should inform proper authorities.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamins B12, K and C may be needed to strengthen skin and increase clotting/blood platelet production.
• Varicose or Spider Veins: These veins can easily leak beneath the skin, causing a bruise.
• Thrombocytopenia: Low blood platelet count. Platelets help the blood clot properly to avoid excessive bleeding and can be lacking in cancers like leukemia, for example. Cancer treatment may also lower platelet count.

 

What causes bruises?

• Liver disease
• Bleeding disorders
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Vasculitis
• Senile purpura
• Cancer
• sports injuries
• car accidents
• concussions
• head injury
• ankle sprain
• muscle strain

How to treat your bruise?

The body is great at healing itself but there are also plenty of ways you can help to reduce the severity of your injury and prevent excessive blood pooling. A key aspect of this is RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation). After any injury, it’s worth making sure you take some time to rest and recover. To contain the bleeding you should apply a cold-compress with a flannel or cloth. Compression involves putting pressure on the affected area without causing further injury or disruption. Depending on the location of the injury and the bruise, elevation can help too.

How long do bruises typically last?

It takes time for your body to heal a bruise, and you can observe the healing process as it happens. When you knock into something, your skin can look a little red. That’s the blood collecting beneath your skin. Within a day or two, the bruise will turn blue, purple, or even black. Bruises change color as your body breaks down and absorbs the leaked blood. That’s why you’ll see darker colors when you first notice bruises and lighter green and yellow colors usually somewhere between 5 and 10 days after the bruise first develops. Most bruises aren’t serious, and they’ll disappear completely within about two weeks. To minimize bruising, it’s best to elevate the injured area and apply ice immediately after impact.

To reduce the risk of bruises, it is advisable to take preventive measures such as de-cluttering household items around you and wear protective equipment when involved in activities that can pose a threat to your physical health. If there are any inquiries or questions regarding your bruises, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor.

Ask the Vein Expert Doctor at EliteVs

We are running a best vein clinic in Clifton, NJ. Our board certified vein specialist has many years experience in this field and handled hundred’s of major vein issue cases. Our vein specilaist Nirman Tulsyan well known for the success in this field, treated many vein patients. Visit our clinic or call us at +1-973-975-4447 for complete vein care.