Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
141 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Purple Colored Bruise Under The Knee?

I m 17 years old, 5 3 and about a week ago I noticed this quarter sized, black bruise on the back of my leg -- a little lower than my knee. Usually I remembr when I ve hurt myself that badly, but I honestly don t think I did anything to cause it. Just today it s begun to change to a red/purple color, but now my leg feels like I ve pulled a muscle and is quite painful when I sit down. I m not sure if it could have been stress-related? I maintain a pretty healthy diet so it probably is not from that. Should this be taken to a doctor or is it just a bad bruise and this is the healing process?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 14 Apr 2021 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 15 Apr 2021 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Purple colored bruise under the knee is indicative of torn hamstring muscle. However it can also be due to baker's cyst or deep vein thrombosis. With both conditions you may have pain, swelling, and bruising behind the knee and calf. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP. Get Imaging tests done along with blood tests to detect the pathology causing you discomfort. You will be treated accordingly.

You can apply Ointment Thrombophob on the area affected by the bruise, it will help to reduce the blood clots under the skin and inflammation. The torn hamstring often heals by itself. In the meantime, you should take a break from strenuous exercises to allow the injury to heal. Avoid putting weight on your affected leg. Ice compression is effective. Wrap the injured area with a compression bandage or wear compression shorts to minimize swelling (it should not be tight).

You can take NSAIDS, one stat when needed to ease pain and discomfort. You are suggested to let your leg relax. You can start gentle stretch exercised under a Physical therapist after the pain subsides as aggressive stretching and exercises will delay healing. Get clinically examined by a GP. In case it is bakers cyst you may need surgical excision. Get treated for any other pathology detected, get required investigations done. You will be accordingly treated.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Bruise


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Purple Colored Bruise Under The Knee?

Hello, Purple colored bruise under the knee is indicative of torn hamstring muscle. However it can also be due to baker s cyst or deep vein thrombosis. With both conditions you may have pain, swelling, and bruising behind the knee and calf. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP. Get Imaging tests done along with blood tests to detect the pathology causing you discomfort. You will be treated accordingly. You can apply Ointment Thrombophob on the area affected by the bruise, it will help to reduce the blood clots under the skin and inflammation. The torn hamstring often heals by itself. In the meantime, you should take a break from strenuous exercises to allow the injury to heal. Avoid putting weight on your affected leg. Ice compression is effective. Wrap the injured area with a compression bandage or wear compression shorts to minimize swelling (it should not be tight). You can take NSAIDS, one stat when needed to ease pain and discomfort. You are suggested to let your leg relax. You can start gentle stretch exercised under a Physical therapist after the pain subsides as aggressive stretching and exercises will delay healing. Get clinically examined by a GP. In case it is bakers cyst you may need surgical excision. Get treated for any other pathology detected, get required investigations done. You will be accordingly treated. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician