Suggest Remedy For Lump And Minor Swelling On Shin

Posted on Fri, 20 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I hit the inside of my shin a couple nights ago. There is a hard lump at Impact spot & bruising with minor swelling down to the ankle. Pain is minimal to moderate at times. I can walk seemingly fine. Any need to have an X-ray?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Contusion no xray needed

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with you health care concerns

You recently experienced a minor trauma on your lower leg a few nights ago and now you noticed a mildly tender lump with some bruising. This is a contusion or a bruise deeper in the soft tissue. This is self limiting and will resolve on its own over the next few weeks. There is no reason for an x-ray because an x-ray is only going to show bone or a bone fracture and you would not be able to walk if your bone were fractured.

In summary
1. soft tissue bruising or contusion
2. Self limiting and will resolve on its own over the next few weeks
3. No x-ray needed

I hope this answers your question. Please contact HCM again with your health care concerns and questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (4 minutes later)

Thats what i figured. Thank you. I am attaching an image since i figured out how to. Can i write this off to bruising more easily as i age?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Contusion

Detailed Answer:
Yes that is a very impressive bruise. Just give it some time and it will heal. And yes your age may play a part in the extent of your bruising. If you are taking any blood thinners or aspirin it will also make you more susceptible to bruising

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar