What Causes Large Painful Lump Form On Shin With Normal X-ray?

Posted on Wed, 28 May 2014

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

Wed, 28 May 2014 Answered on

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Recently I have had a large lump form on my shin that feels squishy and is not painful when touched. however it becomes painful when trying to run. I thought I had shin splints but I'm not sure. I play football and there could have been a trauma injury but I'm unsure. I've had an xray and no fractures had shown up. The lump seems to be fluid.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
cyst or hematoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Thank you for the query.

Can you please attatch a photo of it?
Most likely it is a blood collection caused by some veins rupture. If such collection is small, should go away without medical attention. However if its not small, blood collection can turn into abscess. That is why it should be drained.
If this lump is located on the back of the shin, below the knee, Beckers cyst is also a possibility.

The best you can do is to consult a surgeon. In case of doubts, ultrasound should be done.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (19 hours later)

i can't post pictures but the lump is under the skin on the front of my shin slightly to the left. I've been told it could be fluid surrounding a torn muscle but I do not know

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
It is possible that this is fluid collection. Sometimes a cyst appears in the muscles. Ultrasound of this area will give an answer.

Regards.

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