Yes, bruises typically hurt.
Bruises are a common injury resulting from broken blood vessels under the skin, often due to some kind of force. When these blood vessels break, they leak blood into the surrounding tissues, leading to several symptoms. According to the provided reference, the main symptoms of a bruise are pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.
Understanding Bruise Pain
The pain associated with bruises can vary in intensity depending on several factors, including the location and size of the bruise, as well as individual pain tolerance.
Here's a breakdown of what contributes to bruise pain:
- Nerve Stimulation: The leaked blood and inflammation can irritate nerve endings in the affected area, causing pain or tenderness.
- Swelling: The accumulation of fluid contributes to swelling, which can put pressure on the surrounding tissues and nerves, increasing discomfort.
- Tenderness: Bruises are often tender to the touch, meaning even light pressure can cause pain. The reference indicates that a new bruise can be "very tender to touch."
The Bruise Healing Process and Pain
The pain associated with a bruise usually lessens as it heals. The discoloration of a bruise changes over time, starting as a pinkish or red color and gradually changing to blue, purple, green, and eventually yellow before fading away completely. As the body reabsorbs the leaked blood and the inflammation subsides, the pain typically diminishes.
| Stage of Bruise | Color | Pain Level (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Early Stage | Pinkish/Red | High |
| Mid Stage | Blue/Purple/Green | Moderate |
| Late Stage | Yellow | Low |
| Healing | Fading | Very Low/None |
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Bruise
While most bruises heal on their own, there are situations where medical attention is necessary:
- Extremely painful bruises.
- Bruises that don't improve within a couple of weeks.
- Frequent bruising for no apparent reason.
