Hi everyone..1st i want to say that all researchers here are amazing,
i've been floating around for a while, but this is my 1st question.

I broke my heal bone in February (avulsion of the cacanious?)
something like that and had surgery to re-attach the achilles tendon
(which fortunately was still attached to a piece of the bone) and 2
screws put in.  So, it's been over 4 months...i'm finally out of casts
and stuff, scar looks good, but...i'm still black & blue....from front
to back...it's faded a bit....but it's not pretty.  I asked my Dr. and
he sais that some of the discoloration might be permanent....i've
never heard of that (he's not the most forthcoming Dr. in the world,
so that was all he said)

Question.....1)is there anything i can do to help stimulate bloodflow,
or something to make it go away...fade it?  (not make-up)
2) If it's true it's permanent...why?
I really don't want to have to wear socks with sandals  8-) not very
girly..or trendy....

Thanks again!!.....Nan

Hello there

From reading your question, it would seem the doctor didn't tell you
the color of the bruising itself could possibly last forever, just
that "discoloration" might.

You may be experiencing hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin at
a trauma point.  I have no idea what your skin color is. 
Hyperpigmentation takes place in all races but it seems to be more
common and more apparant in darker skin.  It is caused by an increase
in melanin (skin pigment) rather than by a diminished blood flow.

According to EMedicine, post traumatic or post inflamatory
hyperpigmentation is a universal skin response in the U.S.  However,
it would seem that in many cases the increased pigmentation is so
light nobody realizes it is there.
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic876.htm

You will find here that one of the causes of hyperpigmentation is
surgery:
http://www.rodanandfields.com/index/zhdfwbgiwlf4w/?rm=unevenfaq#q2 -
Website of Rodan & Fields - this website will also provide you with
additional information about hyperpigmentation and how to treat it.  I
should warn you, it is a commercial website and they sell their own
bleaching creams, etc, to treat it.

Almost any inflammatory process or type of trauma can result in
hyperpigmentation.

The most common treatment recommended is the use of bleaching creams. 
There are a wide variety of them on the market.

There is no evidence I could find online about actual bruise
discoloration being a permanant feature, though some may take a long
time to fade.  Every search in that direction wound up back at
hyperpigmentation.  In a way, I'm glad it did because it seems to be a
problem that can be corrected through bleaching creams rather than
simply being covered up with makeup.

And please don't forget, your doctor said there "might" be
discoloration.  He didn't promise it.  You may still wind up with
nothing to worry about.  I do hope that is the case.

Search - Google

Terms - post traumatic skin discoloration, hyperpigmentation,
permanant bruise discoloration, post surgical discoloration, post
surgical hyperpigmentation

If I may clarify anything before you rate the answer, please ask.

Cheers
digsalot

Thank you....i feel much better now.....at least i have options....and
it does make sense...i am Puerto Rican, so i have darker
skin.  I appreciate your work!!

I had some residual discoloration under the skin surrounding a
hematoma (caused by a spider bite.) My physician told me that he
didn't usually recommend "alternative" treatments, but he suggested
that I use arnica gel to help the discoloration subside. I can't say
for certain that the arnica gel was responsible, but the discoloration
was gone in six weeks.

Here's are some Web references mentioning the use of arnica gel for
this purpose:

"To alleviate dark, swollen bruises, apply a gel containing arnica
every three hours to encourage healing. Or, apply a tincture or cream
to the affected area. Arnica traditionally has been used for muscle
aches, sprains and bruises. The gel should improve the swelling,
stiffness and discoloration. Some people have a reaction to arnica, so
if your skin becomes red, itchy or inflamed, discontinue use."

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_bruis.htm

"Arnica Gel... For relief of muscle aches and stiffness due to minor
injuries or overexertion; reduces pain, swelling, and discoloration
from bruises."

http://www.mothernature.com/shop/detail.cfm/sku/56721

Thanks pink....any additional help is most appreciated!!!!!!

I had one of these spots of darker skin for about a year (also due to
a spider bite). It faded away entirely, all by itself, so there's a
chance that yours may do the same. Good luck!