Capillaries are single-cell blood vessels thick. They are the smallest blood vessels in your body and allow the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, water and other nutrients and wastes between blood vessels and surrounding tissues. Sometimes they break or explode, causing blood to pool under the skin and form a bruise.
Why does it happen when we train?
There are two main reasons why exercise can cause breaks. First, forcing or lifting any heavy object , such as during a weight lifting session, can cause these small blood vessels to rupture in the face or eyes. Even with the effort, they could break in the biceps or quadriceps.
Another cause is the direct pressure that a heavy barbell exerts on capillaries and other blood vessels in the body, such as during a weighted barbell squat. Capillaries at the top of the shoulders or back can rupture from pressure.
Is it worrying to have broken capillaries in my eyes?
If they appear in the eye, they are called subconjunctival hemorrhages . Any effort or heavy lifting, such as weight lifting, can cause the capillaries of the eye to explode. The ruptured blood vessels lie just below the transparent surface of the eye, and therefore appear as bright red spots on the white of the eye.
Usually lasting 10-14 days, the condition should not be painful, although you may feel irritated. Blood will be reabsorbed into the eye and the appearance of the eye will return to normal without treatment.
People with diabetes or high blood pressure have an increased risk of developing subconjunctival hemorrhage during exercise. Other risk factors for broken capillaries in the eye are some medications such as blood thinners and certain herbal supplements. Additionally, people who smoke also have an increased risk of developing broken capillaries, especially in the nose area.
It can be avoided?
If you find that you are prone to capillary breakage, first determine if you have any risk factors. In some cases, you may not be able to avoid developing those bruises or bruises. If not, you can try to lighten the load you’re lifting and see if that helps.
Use padded weight bars when you squat to protect your skin and blood vessels in your back and shoulders. The most effective treatment for permanently broken capillaries on the skin is laser therapy . The laser destroys the broken capillaries and the accumulated blood is reabsorbed in the body. This type of treatment should only be used by people with permanent bruising. Otherwise, the broken capillaries will heal without medical intervention.
