You have a bruise (contusion) on a leg, knee, ankle, foot, or toe. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and a change in the color of your skin. The skin color change is from damaged small blood vessels that are bleeding below the skin. No bones are broken. This injury may take from a few days to a few weeks to heal. During that time, the bruise may change from red in color, to purple-blue, to green-yellow, to yellow-brown.
Home care
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Unless another medicine was prescribed, you can take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help with pain. Talk with your health care provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding.
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Elevate the injured area to reduce pain and swelling. As much as possible, sit or lie down with the injured area raised about the level of your heart. It may help to sleep with a pillow under your leg to help raise it. This is especially important during the first 48 hours.
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Ice the injured area to help reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice pack to the bruised area for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours the first day. Continue this 3 to 4 times a day until the pain and swelling goes away. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Don't put ice directly on your skin.
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If crutches have been advised, don't bear full weight on the injured leg until you can do so without pain. You may return to sports when you are able to put your full weight and have impact on the injured leg without pain.
Follow up
Follow up with your health care provider as advised. Call if you are not improving within the next 1 to 2 weeks.
When to get medical advice
Call your health care provider right away if you have:
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Increased pain or swelling.
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Your foot or toes become cold, blue, numb, or tingly.
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Signs of infection. These include warmth, fluid leaking, or increased redness or pain around the injury.
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An inability to move the injured area, or any joints below the injured area.
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Frequent bruising for unknown reasons.
Online Medical Reviewer: Eric Perez MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed: 12/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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