Participation in contact sports, exercising, housework and clumsiness can all lead to knee bruising. Bruises are also referred to as muscle contusions. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, contusions are the second most common sports-related injury next to sprains. Bruises are normally a minor injury and will not prevent you from working out.
Muscle Contusions
Muscle contusions are a minor injury that can occur as the result of a direct blow. Bruises on your knee can occur as the result of falling or performing exercises on your knees. Contusions affect the underlying muscle fibers and connective tissues but do not lacerate the skin's surface. You may notice a purple to blue spot on your knee. This is the result of pooling blood collecting at the site of damaged tissues. Most contusions will only cause you minor pain and will not prevent you from continuing your exercise program or working out in the days to come.
Treatment and Complications
Bruises do not normally require any treatment. You can ice and rest your knee if you deem it necessary. If pain persists for more than a couple weeks, visit your doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and imaging studies to rule out or diagnose a more serious injury. If you experience a deep tissue injury to your knee, you may be at risk for complications. Compartment syndrome will cause rapid bleeding in your leg which is painful and prevents nutrients from reaching your muscles; this complication requires emergency surgery. Myositis ossificans is a complication that occurs in young individuals. If you try to rehab too quickly, your bruised muscle will grow bone opposed to new muscle cells. This is painful and can reduce your flexibility.
Low Impact Exercise
If you experience pain that is preventing you from performing your normal exercise routine, consider the use of low impact exercises until your bruise heals -- this should only take a week or two. Low impact exercises are forms of cardiovascular exercise that place little to no stress on your lower extremities -- including your knee joints -- as you exercise. Exercises include swimming, using an elliptical machine, walking, cycling, Pilates, yoga, using a rowing machine or low impact aerobics.
Other Considerations
Knee bruising can also be an indication of a more serious injury. Bruising accompanied by swelling, locking, popping, extreme pain or the inability to walk or move your knee can indicate an injury that requires medical attention. Dislocations, sprains, fractures, ligament tears and cartilage damage can all lead to knee bruises. Knee bruising accompanied by these symptoms should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
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