How often does running or weight lifting cause capillary bursts?

Question

I exercise every alternate day - which means 7 times a fortnight. I mix it up ever so often, but I generally do a mixture of about 45 minutes of cardio (either a run at >10.5 or intervals on the elliptical at l8), plus about 20-25 minutes weights plus static.

This pattern has been pretty constant for the last 6 years - I consider myself relatively fit and healthy. However, I've noticed in the last couple of years that I've been getting bruises on my arms and legs. it's about 4-5 on the left leg and 2-3 on the right - mostly on the calves. And recently a few on my upper arms.

The spots vary in colour day-to-day, from pink to light brown to purple, and I am quite fair so it shows. When I press on them, they will disappear for a bit, and then reappear.

Besides the aesthetic unpleasantness, I am wondering how common these are. I am guessing they are capillary bursts - but does anyone have anything similar? It doesn't appear to be a skin condition, and I know definitely that they aren't the result of bumps. And does anyone know how they happen? My guess is that perhaps they happen when I exert myself while running/weight-training.

Thanks!

Answer 1

This article claims that broken capillaries can very much be expected from intense exercise:

http://blog.mariobadescu.com/broken-capillaries/

When the capillary walls contract and expand too quickly, the muscles in the wall tear and allow blood to seep through. Repeated dilation from hot water/showers, microdermabrasion, spicy foods, alcohol, intense exercise, or genetics leave these capillaries permanently dilated.

As for avoiding broken capillaries, you could avoid exercising, but this would probably not be satisfactory for you. Instead, try to see if your bruise areas are the result of any contact during exercise. If so, can you eliminate that contact? Are you changing temperatures suddenly (e.g. going from air conditioning to hot and humid outdoor conditions)? The article I gave is a good starting point to get you thinking.

Answer 2

I may be able to throw some light on the calves, but not the upper body. It is possible that when you are running, that as your foot comes through, you are kicking your other calf. I do this myself sometimes. If the bruises are always on the inside of the calves. I think this could be your answer.

You wouldn't necessarily be aware that you are doing it, as it's lots of small kicks over the period of the run. Since I've known I do it, I am sometimes aware of it when I run, but normally not.

Although, I'm not sure about the ones on your arms.

Answer 3

Are you exhaling as you lift and not straining? I'm assuming yes as you've been lifting for years. Either way that wouldn't cause it...

Besides older adults I don't see that often. Are you taking any NSAIDs before or after you life? they don't allow your blood to coagulate - resulting in bruising. Can happen as you age or could be an underlying auto-immune disease (such as vasicitius) etc..

Answer 4

This most commonly is due to flushing of skin and this is a form of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction due to exercise.

Physical activity can cause allergic symptoms in some people. The symptoms are hives or spots (large or small), itching of the skin, flushing (redness) of the skin and this can occur anywhere on the body other than the chest area.

Most symptoms can be controlled by taking medications your physician prescribes and by slowing down or stopping your exercise as soon as symptoms start. You should always exercise with a partner who knows about your condition.

In some people, eating certain foods before exercise may make allergic symptoms more likely to occur. Keep track of what you eat before exercising for few weeks.

You can try some antihistamine or epinephrine shots. Discuss with a physician who will follow up on your condition.

Ref: small red like blood spots in skin after exercise