Getting a bruise on your biceps from performing pullups could be the result of an injury -- such as a muscle strain or tear -- or it could be due to an underlying problem with your blood vessels caused by a medical disorder or a side effect of medication. Most bruises are harmless and will go away on their own, but if the bruising happens consistently after doing pullups, consult a doctor.
Features
A bruise is the result of broken blood vessels leaking blood. The blood pools under the skin, forming the bruise. Bruises usually start off as pink, then change color as the blood dries and darkens. If the bruise is the result of an injury, you may feel a popping sensation when the injury occurs. A bruise resulting from a biceps injury may include loss of movement, tenderness, swelling and stiffness in the upper arm. Bruising that results from the side effect of medication or an underlying medical disorder may have little or no pain. Bruises can last for several days to several months, depending on the cause. Most bruises are harmless, however, and should disappear within a few days.
Causes
If you are doing pullups consistently everyday without a break or are using poor form, you could be putting a lot of strain on the biceps muscles, ligaments and tendons. The strain can eventually create slight tears or strains in the tendons, which can lead to bruising. Using a jerking motion when lifting yourself up or lowering yourself too quickly when performing the pullup can cause trauma to the biceps. Taking a medication that thins the blood -- such as aspirin, Coumadin or corticosteroids -- increases the likelihood of bruising from any type of trauma. Age weakens the skin and blood vessels, which can lead to bruising more easily. In rare cases, an underlying medical disorder that affects your blood vessels or blood's ability to clot can be the culprit.
Treatment
Bruises can be made to heal more quickly by taking some simple self-care measures. To start, wrap ice or a pack of frozen vegetables in a towel and apply it to the bruise for 20 minutes at a time every hour. Keep your upper arm above the level of your heart to help keep the blood from pooling in the bruise. Rest your arm and move it as little as possible. If the bruise is extremely painful or you suspect injury, seek medical attention.
Considerations
Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, but if they happen without an obvious reason, this may be cause for concern. If you find you are getting bruises consistently after doing pullups, contact your physician. Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor, particularly if you are taking blood thinners. To prevent bruises from overuse or acute injury, warm up your biceps muscles before doing pullups by flexing and extending your arms without any resistance or weights. Rest the muscles for one to two days between sets of pullups and ensure you are using proper form. If you suspect an overuse injury is causing your bruising, consult a doctor to rule out any possible damage to the ligaments, tendons or muscles.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Easy Bruising: Common As You Age; May 2011
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Muscle Contusion (Bruise); July 2007
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow; June 2009
- DukeHealth.org; Bruises -- What Causes Abnormal Bruising?; Dr. Courtney D. Thornburg; June 2008
