Bruises that result from trauma can be painful, but at least you know how they happened. If you are bruising easily while exercising however, pain may not be part of the equation and the bruises may appear without any obvious cause. Bruising easily is often due to an underlying issue with your blood or blood vessels and exercise is only making the problem more obvious due to the impact it has on your body. If you are consistently bruising easily during exercise and not experiencing any obvious trauma, consult a doctor immediately to rule out an underlying medical disorder.
Bruising
Bruises, medically referred to as contusions, occur because small blood vessels break and leak blood into the tissue under your skin. The most common type of bruise is a subcutaneous bruise, which occurs when the blood vessels just beneath the skin break, but bruising occurs in the muscles and bones, too. The most painful and severe type of bruise is a bone bruise. Bruises start off as pink, purple or red, and then change color to yellow or brown as the blood dries. Most bruises disappear after two weeks, but it could take 30 days for a more severe bruise to completely disappear.
Causes
The most common cause of bruising is a blunt trauma to the affected area, but bruising easily, whether from exercise or not, is often the sign of something affecting your blood or blood vessels. Exercise, particularly strenuous exercise, puts stress on your muscles and blood vessels, which can lead to bruising easily if your vessels are weakened or your blood is thin or not clotting properly. Medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin or heart medication, are common culprits, as are medications that affect the way your blood clots, such as clopidogrel. Some supplements, such as ginkgo and fish oil, can also thin your blood. As you age, your skin and blood vessels get thinner, which contributes to bruising more easily. Some people simply bruise more easily because it runs in the family. Not getting enough vitamins in your diet, particularly vitamin K, can affect how your blood clots and lead to bruising with little or no trauma. Less commonly, an underlying medical disorder is the problem.
Treatment
To help bruises heal more quickly, apply the RICE protocol -- rest, ice, compression and elevation. Elevate the affected area above your heart if possible to prevent the blood from pooling. Ice your bruise or bruises for 20 minutes at a time every hour after the bruise first occurs. Compress the bruise by wrapping a bandage around it to help it heal faster. Rest the bruised area as much as possible. If the bruise is severe or there are signs of infection, such as redness and pus, seek immediate medical attention.
Considerations
Bruises that occur occasionally as the result of being hit or excessive exercise do not usually need treatment. If, however, you are bruising easily while exercising and are not experiencing any obvious trauma, consult a doctor. Bruising easily without an obvious cause can result in serious complications without a proper diagnosis and treatment. Discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with your doctor, particularly if you are taking a blood thinner.
