Health Problem

[Templeman]

Hi Im 73yrs old, very active ,gardening all day in the Spanish sunshine, however, recently when kneeling on concrete or tiles I have got what looks like bkue blood bruising!! I also notice whene cutting large trees etc. and I knock my arms they get blood bruises, is this serious? my GP said the arms were because there is not much fat under my skin, anyone can help please?

[Betty67]

Are you taking any blood thinning medication? This doesn't sound like fibromyalgia suggest you see your GP as you may need blood test.

Also how about kneeling on a cushion.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Templeman

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? Welcome to the forum and it is wonderful to make your acquaintance. I am so genuinely sorry to read about these bruises that you are developing and the *WebMD website which belongs to Boots Pharmacy says:

*A regular bruise is more spread out and may not feel like a firm lump. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots.

If you bruise easily, you may not even remember what caused a bruise. Bruising easily does not mean you have a serious health problem, especially if bruising is minimal or only shows up once in a while.

Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries, especially injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs.

I am a keen gardener and I suffer with pressure sores and abscesses due to diabetes, so I use a sitting cushion in the garden so I am not perched on anything too hard.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[deejames]

I think this bruising is a result of older age. I remember my parents having lots more bruising when they passed 70. They were both quite thin too. Your skin thins a lot as you get older and if there is not so much fat to cushion it it will bruise more easily.

Certainly pad your knees in the garden. You can buy ones that strap on or get a padded kneeling g stool. It's a chore to remember to use it but your knees will thank.

I am envious of your fitness in the garden. Look after it.

Dee