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What Causes Swollen Numb Leg Post Injury?

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Posted on Sat, 27 Sep 2014
Question: I took a fall and landed hard in the sand on my shin. I am 55,obese, but still active. On scuba diving trip in Caribbean. Leg is swollen, very ugly and numb where I fell. Just feels weird. Put ice on it first two days and soaked in a magnesium pool at resort. What do I do know?
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Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

In case of such injury there is always a risk of bone fracture, veins thrombosis or hematoma which needs to be drained.
In case of bone fracture there should be pain while walking. However lack of it does not rule the fracture out.
Veins thrombosis give hard, painful calf. The leg is usually warm and swollen.
Hematoma causes painful and swollen limb along with tenderness of the area where it is located. Calf is usually soft and painless.
If you have any of this issues possible, you should visit a doctor.
If you do not have any of mentioned symptoms, you may try to treat it at home. To do that rest and leg elevation when lying down are the best ways.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (3 hours later)
So I don't think it is broken because I can walk on it. Place where bruise is sort soft and squishy, not hard at all. Where you able to see the picture and can you tell me if this hematoma (?) should be drained? I sent two pictures with first email. Not really in pain, just sort of tingly at times.

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
.

Detailed Answer:
Yes I can see the picture. If its not hard and painful, no need to drain it. So you can wait with it and see how it will be acting. If fever, pain or hardness will appear you should consult your doctor.

Regards.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5798 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Numb Leg Post Injury?

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. In case of such injury there is always a risk of bone fracture, veins thrombosis or hematoma which needs to be drained. In case of bone fracture there should be pain while walking. However lack of it does not rule the fracture out. Veins thrombosis give hard, painful calf. The leg is usually warm and swollen. Hematoma causes painful and swollen limb along with tenderness of the area where it is located. Calf is usually soft and painless. If you have any of this issues possible, you should visit a doctor. If you do not have any of mentioned symptoms, you may try to treat it at home. To do that rest and leg elevation when lying down are the best ways. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.