A bruise results from a hard blow that damages subcutaneous tissue without opening the skin. This can cause pain, swelling and bruising. Fortunately, you can do something yourself to speed up the recovery process. In this blog, we share 5 practical tips to quickly heal your knee, ankle or other area properly.

What is a bruise?

Bruises occur when your body receives a hard blow or impact. In this process, the skin does not open, but the underlying tissue is damaged. The small blood vessels under the skin become damaged, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This can cause bruising, swelling, pain or stiffness.

What are the symptoms of a bruise?

You usually recognize the symptoms quickly, but they can vary from place to place. For example, if you bruised your ribs, it may feel different from a bruised ankle. These are some of the most common symptoms:

• Blue spot, which may also turn green or yellow later;
• Swelling;
• Pain or sensitivity;
• Stiffness or difficulty moving;
• Heat or redness.

Although discoloration of the area is common, you can also have a bruise without a bruise. It depends on the location and your skin type or blood flow.

How long does a bruise last?

The duration depends on the location. For example, did you bruise your wrist, finger or ankle? Then recovery may take longer because these areas move more. On average, recovery takes about 5-14 days, but there can be outliers.

How does a bruise heal the fastest?

With the right approach, you can do well to speed up recovery. For example, enough rest is always essential, but other tools such as red light therapy can also contribute to the recovery process. Below you can read tips on how you can promote recovery.

5 tips to recover quickly from a bruise

1. Start cooling immediately

Cooling for bruising is very important in the first 48 hours. Cooling can reduce or prevent swelling and pain. And how long should you cool for a bruise? About 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

2. Take plenty of rest

Taking rest is important. This way, you will prevent overuse of the area. This is especially important with a wrist contusion, a bruised knee or other areas that normally move a lot. This is especially important in the first few days to prevent aggravation.

3. Move the area gently

After several days of rest, you may begin to move gently. This will help stimulate blood flow and allow the body to recover better. Be careful not to force anything, and take it easy if you think it is necessary.

4. Apply an ointment for bruises

For bruises, use an ointment specifically designed for that purpose. For example, arnica is a bruise ointment that helps with bruising and swelling.

5. Use red light therapy

Use red light therapy to treat your bruise. With this, it is possible to speed up your recovery process. You can do this yourself from home these days, for example with the PowerCure laser. Below you can read more about how red light therapy can help with this.

How does red light therapy work for bruises?

Red light therapy uses red light that you can shine on your body. This light penetrates the skin, cells and underlying tissues, thus having a positive effect on the healing process. This is exactly what happens during a treatment:

• It stimulates cellular activity by producing more energy, allowing cells to repair and function better;
• It improves blood flow, allowing waste products to be drained better and nutrients and oxygen to reach the area faster;
• It reduces inflammation and swelling, which also reduces pain;
• It relieves pain naturally.

The science of red light therapy

Red light therapy seems to be emerging, but it has been researched in the medical community for many years. As such, there are many studies indicating its positive results. Promising results have also been found in the world of physical therapy, wound healing, sports medicine and pain management. Research shows that it increases ATP production, improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, affects cytokines and inhibits pain signals.

How PowerCure can help you with a bruise

With the PowerCure, you literally bring the power of red light into your home. This compact and portable device makes it easy to treat exactly the spot that bothers you. Whether it’s your knee, your hand or that sensitive thumb. You use PowerCure whenever and wherever you want. Best of all, just a few minutes a day can provide noticeable relief.