How to differentiate bruise with deep vein thrombosis?

Easy,: A bruise is a superficial blood collection visible as a dark blue, turning blue green and at the end yellow color. It is usually flat with the skin. A deep vein clot can cause swelling skin can be reddish and pain can be severe with inability move / walk. However, sometimes there is no pain and minimal swelling only. Blood test (d-dimer) and ultrasound will confirm diagnosis.

Big Difference.: A bruise is usually the result of trauma which disrupts the blood vessels resulting in these vessels bleeding usually under the skin to cause a black and blue appearance. This is self limiting and will disappear over time. A DVT is a clot in a deep vein and is usually diagnosed by an ultrasound. Dvt could be dangerous and requires treatment with blood thinners for anywhere from months to years.