Bruises are like snowflakes: each one is unique. Some bruises are purple, but others have a red-tint. We notice a painful bruise immediately, while other, not-so-painful-bruises, take us by surprise.
A bruise is how the body responds to an injury. They form when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin get damaged, leaving behind a blue, purple, or red-colored spot. Bruises typically last up to two weeks.
If you’re prone to injuries, there are ways to heal bruises quickly. Let’s review six tricks to get rid of bruises.
If you notice a bruise on your body, slow down and get some rest. This goes for all bruises, including a bruise with no pain.
Resting slows blood flow to prevent a bruise from getting worse. If you keep moving, your bruise can get bigger and more painful.
Keep injured body parts elevated.
If you notice a bruise, raise it above your heart-level. The elevation reduces pressure and compression. It drains fluids away from the bruised area to prevent the injury from getting bigger.
If possible, sleep with your bruised body part raised. Combining rest and elevation leads to bruise pain relief and a fast recovery.
Apply ice to an injury as soon as possible. Ice cools blood vessels to limit the amount of blood that travels to the injured tissues. Ice therapy reduces swelling, redness, and bruising.
You should still apply ice if you have pain but no bruise. The cold can alleviate discomfort and prevent a bruise from forming.
Apply an ice pack (a bag of ice) to your injury. Place a thin cloth between the ice and your bruise to protect the skin. If you don’t have ice, frozen vegetables are the next best option.
When a bruise forms, it can trap blood. This makes the injury appear red and swollen.
Heat therapy boosts circulation, increases blood flow, and relieves pain. It clears trapped blood from your bruise. Heat leads to faster healing and helps bruises fade.
You can take a soak in a hot bath, or apply a heating pad or water bottle directly to your injured area.
Arnica is a natural bruise-relieving remedy. The herb has anti-inflammatory compounds that easily absorb into the skin.
Researchers found those who used arnica after nose surgeries experienced accelerated postoperative healing and less bruising compared to those who did not use the herb.
If you have a bruise, apply arnica gels or ointments to your skin. Oral arnica is also available, as some people believe the best results come from ingesting the herb.
A diet full of nutritious and anti-inflammatory foods can increase healing, strengthen blood vessels, and minimize bruising.
Some of the best foods to eat if you have a painful bruise are:
In addition to adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, steer clear of foods with high saturated fat levels, like processed foods.
Painful bruises are uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to decrease bruising and help your body heal.
Keep in mind the best way to treat an injury is by visiting a medical professional as soon as possible. Fast treatments are the most effective ones.
If you’re looking for a reliable squad of medical professionals, we’re here to help. Contact our team for more information on telemedicine and in-person appointments.