Suggest Treatment For Huge Bump On Shin Caused By An Injury

Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015

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

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just tripped and fell into a table and hit my right shin. The area blew up into a huge bump. It's been about and hour and it has gone down. Is there a possibility that I have a blood clot - or could it develop into one? How would I know?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be a fracture

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

A huge bump following a trauma can sometimes be a fracture. Hematomas are usually soft to touch initially and does not come down as fast, because blood tends to become a clot which gets harder in due course of time and there would change in colour of the skin to red.

Please get it evaluated by an orthopedician, I suggest you get an x ray done

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (7 minutes later)

I don't think there is a fracture because I don't have any trouble walking - the area now looks blue and red - I'm just worried about a blood clot going to my heart or lung - how would I know?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Blood clot wont go the heart

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting back, I am sorry for the short delay in my reply.

It would be easy for me if you could attach a photo of your legs. If you have no trouble walking and the pain is not too much then it is less likely to be a fracture.

You dont have to worry about the blood clot going to the brain because the blood clot is superficial and just below the skin, it will resolve on its own in due course of time. For a blood clot to reach the brain, the clot has to be within the artery or vein.

Regards

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