You may have wondered why it is as you
have gotten older; you seem to bruise more easily and find bruises that you do
even remember getting. There is a
scientific explanation for why the problem occurs more commonly
in the elderly, and generally bruises do not require
treatment and are not serious. However
please keep in mind that significant bruising can be a sign of medical problems
and should be discussed with your health care provider.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a
bruise, know in medical terms as a contusion, occurs “when small blood vessels (capillaries)
near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on
the arms or legs.” This impact causes blood to leak out of the
vessels and look like the black-and-blue-mark we are all familiar with. As
we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty
layer that protects our blood vessels from injury, thus making
it easier to bruise.
While most bruises do not require a
doctor’s care, Dr. Aarthi Anand, a board certified geriatrician and family
medicine practitioner in Los Angeles, suggests applying a frozen compress for up
to twenty minutes at a time. Also if you
elevate the bruised area higher than your heart during the first 24 hours of
the injury, it will help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
There are several steps you can take
to try to eliminate getting bruised in the first place. To start, make sure your living space has a
clear path to move around in so you can avoid bumping into things as well as help
prevent falls. Another thing you may
want to do is to use a cane or walker if you are unsteady when you stand up or while
walking.
This
post is for informational purposes only, please consult your health care
provider with any questions or concerns.
MorningStar
at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to senior living with
our mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built
on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to
serve. We are dedicated to creating a true home for residents within an ideal
setting and invite you to schedule a tour to see firsthand our exceptional
memory care in Colorado Springs.
Sources:mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762
aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/elderly-bruising
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