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What Causes Soft Lump On Shin Post Injury?
Question: Sorry to bother you with the same question that I see on line many times, but I do not see any answers...
I hit my shin below the knee with a sledge and a very large lump appeared....there is some lingering pain one hour later and the lump is sensitive to touch .... what to do? x-ray? Or keep an eye on it?
I hit my shin below the knee with a sledge and a very large lump appeared....there is some lingering pain one hour later and the lump is sensitive to touch .... what to do? x-ray? Or keep an eye on it?
Brief Answer:
Please follow instructions below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail and had a look at the attached picture.
The injury to your shin is less likely to be a fracture and might be a soft tissue swelling with some bleeding under the skin.
This happens when small blood vessels below the skin get injured and blood leaks out of them. It is a slow process and there is pooling of blood, clinically termed subcutaneous hematoma. Since the bone is very superficial, the lump is well seen and felt.
To start feeling better, you may start taking oral pain killers like tylenol and give adequate rest. Please apply ice on the swollen area right now to decrease the leakage of blood. Later in a few hours you can apply a towel soaked in warm water and this will also give you relief. The towel soaked in warm water can be applied every day 2 - 3 times.
When at rest, you can also elevate the limb and place a pillow while lying down to give comfort.
It may take a week or two to heal completely. Please remember that my suggestions are based on your query and the picture attached. If you are in severe pain then please consult your doctor.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please follow instructions below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail and had a look at the attached picture.
The injury to your shin is less likely to be a fracture and might be a soft tissue swelling with some bleeding under the skin.
This happens when small blood vessels below the skin get injured and blood leaks out of them. It is a slow process and there is pooling of blood, clinically termed subcutaneous hematoma. Since the bone is very superficial, the lump is well seen and felt.
To start feeling better, you may start taking oral pain killers like tylenol and give adequate rest. Please apply ice on the swollen area right now to decrease the leakage of blood. Later in a few hours you can apply a towel soaked in warm water and this will also give you relief. The towel soaked in warm water can be applied every day 2 - 3 times.
When at rest, you can also elevate the limb and place a pillow while lying down to give comfort.
It may take a week or two to heal completely. Please remember that my suggestions are based on your query and the picture attached. If you are in severe pain then please consult your doctor.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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