What causes unexplained hard swollen bruises on legs?

Unexplained hard, swollen bruises on the legs can have various underlying causes. Here are some potential reasons for this:

1. Soft Tissue Injuries: Blunt trauma or injuries to the soft tissues of the leg, such as muscle strains or contusions, can cause bruising and swelling. These injuries can occur due to falls, sports-related activities, or other accidents.

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This condition involves the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein, often in the leg. DVT can cause swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected area, along with hard, swollen bruises or discoloration.

3. Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that can appear on the legs. They often cause aching pain, heaviness, and swelling in the legs, and can also lead to the formation of hard, swollen bruises.

4. Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin and soft tissues. It typically causes redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness in the affected area, along with hard, swollen bruises or discoloration.

5. Lymphedema: Lymphedema occurs when there is a buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body's tissues, often in the legs. This can be caused by conditions that damage the lymph nodes or lymph vessels, such as certain cancers, surgery, or radiation therapy. Lymphedema can lead to swelling, heaviness, and hard, swollen bruises on the legs.

6. Blood Clotting Disorders: Certain blood clotting disorders, such as thrombophilia, can increase the risk of developing blood clots, including DVT. These disorders can lead to unexplained hard, swollen bruises on the legs.

7. Medications and Medical Conditions: Some medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), aspirin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause easy bruising and swelling. Certain medical conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, and vitamin C deficiency, can also predispose to bruising.

If you are experiencing unexplained hard, swollen bruises on your legs, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, review your medical history, and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to investigate the issue further.