Deep thigh bruises can be caused by injury, medication, or even scratching, and may not always be painful. Treatment is usually not necessary, but if the bruise is painful, anti-inflammatory medication or a cold compress can be used. Excessive bruising may indicate a serious medical condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. Diabetic patients should rotate injection sites to avoid tissue trauma and bruising. Bruising can also be genetic and may increase with age. People taking daily aspirin should not stop without consulting their healthcare provider.
Signs of a deep thigh bruise include a dark blue or purple discoloration and discomfort when you press on the area. Sometimes, however, the pain is absent, leaving the person wondering how they got the bruise in the first place. Because the capillaries in the thighs are very fragile, simply scratching the thigh can cause a bruise. Also, a deep bruise can be the result of an injury or self-injection of medications such as insulin.
A deep bruise typically doesn’t require any treatment, because the bruise resolves on its own in a week or two. If the bruise is particularly painful or accompanied by swelling, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication may be taken or a patient may apply a cold compress. Aspirin and other medications, such as ibuprofen and prescription blood thinners, can also cause deep bruises on the thigh, as well as bruises on other parts of the body. These medications can also cause nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
While not usually considered serious, excessive bruising can sometimes indicate a serious medical condition that will require evaluation. If a deep thigh bruise is the result of blood thinning medication, your health care provider may reduce your dose or stop the medication altogether. Bruises that appear on the thighs and legs can be unsightly, and in these cases, makeup can be used to hide the bruises. The footmuff is effective in hiding unsightly bruises, broken capillaries and prominent, discolored veins. Leg makeup can be purchased at drug stores and some department store cosmetic stores.
In a diabetic patient, it is important to rotate the sites when self-injecting insulin because repeated use of the same site can contribute to tissue trauma and a subsequent deep thigh bruise. Discussing insulin injections with your healthcare professional may give you other options for administering your insulin. If bruising persists or worsens, your doctor might recommend a series of blood tests to determine if a medical condition is the cause.
Occasionally, bruising is genetic or hereditary, and the susceptibility to bruising generally increases with age. Other body locations where bruising are common include the upper arms and legs. People who take daily aspirin for cardiovascular health may be at risk for bruising and broken capillaries on their legs. However, they should never stop taking aspirin without first checking with their health care providers because this could increase their risk of heart attack and stroke.
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