You may commonly recognize the term "broken blood vessel" as a bruise, contusion or a spider vein. Broken blood vessels are the result of a fall or a direct blow to any part of your body--including your face. Bruises are the second leading cause of injury in sports next to sprains, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Broken blood vessels in your face can be the result of trauma during exercise.
Causes
Broken blood vessels, contusions, spider veins or bruises have a variety of causes. They can be caused by tripping, falling, or a direct blow to your face with an object or by incidental contact with another individual exercising. You are more likely to develop broken blood vessels if you are on medication to thin your blood. You are more likely to develop spider veins if you are overweight. Spider veins are more common in older adults than in children and young adults. Weight, lack of exercise, age, hormonal changes, heredity and pregnancy also play a role in the development of broken blood vessels on your face--especially spider veins. Individuals do not develop broken blood vessels on their face as the result of exercise alone. Trauma or injury to the face during exercise is needed in order for broken blood vessels to develop.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are enlarged veins that may appear to be red, blue or a flesh-like color. They are close to the surface of your skin. Spider veins are networks of short jagged lines that may resemble a spider web or the branches of a tree. Spider veins may occur in small or large areas of your face. Spider veins are caused by a backup of blood supply to the affected area. Spider veins are not caused by stress or strain during exercise. However, they can occur as the result of leading a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise is often recommended in the prevention of spider veins.
Bruises and Contusions
If your face is bruised, you will likely recall the event that caused it. You may experience pain, swelling or a purple, reddish color to the skin. Upon touching your face, you may notice tenderness. It may also be difficult to move your facial muscles affected by the bruise.There are three different types of bruises. A subcutaneous bruise is a type of bruise that occurs underneath your skin. An inter-muscular bruise is a bruise that occurs within your muscle. The third type of bruise is known as a periosteal bruise that affects the underlying bruise.
Duration
Bruises and contusions can last for a couple of days to a couple of months depending upon the type of bruise you have sustained. Bone bruises are likely to take the longest to heal where subcutaneous bruises often heal the quickest. As a bruise begins to heal, they will turn a blue color then to a greenish yellow color. The skin will then return to its normal tone. Spider veins are often permanent and require the use of ultrasound or surgery to remove.
Prevention
While it is hard to prevent traumatic injuries to your face that lead to broken blood vessels, you can take precautions in order to reduce the likelihood of developing an injury. If you participate in sports for exercise, make sure you are wearing the proper protective gear including a mouth guard, helmet and facial mask. If you participate in group exercise activities, make sure to leave enough space between you and the next person in order to reduce the risk of incidental contact. For all other forms of exercise, make sure you execute exercises properly and know how to use exercise machines properly.
