A leg bruise, which is a very common leg injury, can usually be treated at home by elevating and resting the leg, using ice, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Most leg bruises or contusions will not require a trip to the doctor and heal within a few weeks. Treatment may only be needed the first few days to reduce leg pain.
Tiny blood vessels under the skin can rupture after a bump to the leg. When the vessels rupture, they leak blood, which pools under the skin and causes the discoloration of a bruise. Although there is not a bruise cure, treatment can reduce pain and swelling.
One of the first things that can be done to treat a bruise on the leg is applying ice. The ice should be applied to a bruise on and off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and leg pain. Avoid putting the ice directly on the bruise because this can lead to frostbite. Wrap the ice in a towel before applying it to the bruise. Keep the ice on the bruise for up to 20 minutes at a time and reapply every few hours.
Heat can also be used to treat a bruise after the first 24 hours. The heat may relieve pain and can help the bruise heal more quickly by promoting the blood to be cleared away. A hot washcloth or heating pad should be used. Sitting in a warm tub may also help. Apply the heat for about 20 minutes, about three times a day.
A large leg bruise or leg contusion can be elevated to reduce swelling. Prop the leg up on two or three pillows, while resting or lying in bed. This will usually only be needed for the first 24 hours when swelling is most likely to develop.
Pain associated with a leg bruise can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. Consult your doctor before taking aspirin, as it can slow down the time it takes the blood to clot. Aspirin can also increase the bleeding under the skin.
Most bruises will go away on their own and do not require professional medical evaluation, however, there are signs a call to the doctor may be needed. A very large bruise that interferes with movement may need to be evaluated by a doctor. If a painful bruise develops after leg surgery, a physician should be contacted. If signs of an infection develop, such as increased redness or the bruise becomes red, swollen and hot, it may indicate an infection has developed.