Running can place severe strain on your leg muscles, which sometimes leads to bruising. The causes for bruising on the legs can vary, but in almost all cases, bruises from running develop because of damage to muscle tissue. If a bruise is severe enough, the skin discolors at the affected area and can be painful to the touch. In general, bruises pose no serious health problems, however, you should speak to your doctor if you develop abnormally large bruises that are especially painful.
Types of Bruises
Though bruises may look generally the same on the surface of the skin, they can originate in different places and vary in severity. Perhaps the most common type of bruises are subcutaneous, which originate just beneath the skin. Bruises that develop further down within muscle tissue are called intramuscular bruises. A third type of bruise, and potentially the most painful, is a periosteal bruise, which develops on a bone. Bruises trigger blood flow toward the skin's surface, which causes a discoloration. The discoloration can last anywhere from several days to several months, depending on its severity.
Running
It is unlikely that running would cause a periosteal bruise, unless you fall. Running bruises are mostly related to muscle damage. According to CoolRunning.com, two common reasons for getting bruises on your legs are hamstring tears and quadriceps tears. Hamstring tears occur when you overextend the muscle, which is not uncommon when sprinting or running downhill. Extending your leg too quickly can also result in hamstring tears. A quadriceps tear can happen when your quadriceps are not as strong as your hamstrings. In such a case, your hamstrings work harder and more efficiently while running than your quadriceps, which can overwork them and result in a tear.
Symptoms
Most bruises are painful to the touch, but the intensity of the pain can vary greatly. Some bruises may be barely noticeable, while other bruises may cause great pain. Some bruises are painful without touching them and may feel as though pressure is building in them. MedlinePlus notes that you should see your doctor immediately if you develop this type of bruise. It may be indicative of the potentially fatal condition known as compartment syndrome, which restricts the amount of blood and oxygen to the muscle tissue. Less severe bruises on the thighs can cause discomfort when walking or running and may take on different colors, such as blue or a greenish yellow.
Self-Care
If you have a bruise on your leg that is moderately painful to the touch, or that is painful when walking or running, you should stop running and rest. Avoid any physical activities that involve the bruised part of your body. Sometimes, bruises are accompanied by swelling. You can help the bruise heal faster and relieve the swelling by applying ice packs wrapped in a cloth onto the affected area. Keep the ice pack on the bruise for up to 15 minutes per hour. Elevate your legs when possible. This helps keep blood from pooling in the bruised tissue.
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