1. Place ice on the bruise to help it heal faster and to reduce swelling. Place the ice in a cloth -- DO NOT place ice directly on the skin. Apply the ice for up to 15 minutes per hour.
2. Keep the bruised area raised above the heart, if practical. This helps keep blood from pooling in the bruised tissue.
3. Try to rest the bruised body part by not overworking your muscles in that area.
4. If needed, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce pain.

In the rare instance of "compartment syndrome," surgery frequently needs to be performed to relieve the extreme buildup of pressure.

• DO NOT attempt to drain the bruise with a needle.
• DO NOT continue running, playing, or otherwise using the painful, bruised part of your body.
• DO NOT ignore the pain or swelling.

Call your doctor immediately if you feel extreme pressure in a bruised part of your body, especially if the area is large or very painful. This may be due to a condition known as "compartment syndrome." Increased pressure on the soft tissues and structures beneath the skin can decrease the supply of vital blood and oxygen to the tissues. This is potentially life-threatening and you should receive emergency care promptly.

Also call your doctor if:

• You are bruising spontaneously without any injury, fall, or other reason.
• There are signs of infection around the bruised area including streaks of redness, pus or other drainage, or fever.