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What Causes Swelling In Anterior Upper Shin Area?

Posted on Tue, 9 Jun 2015

Question: My anterior upper shin area is persistently swollen the size of a softball. I fell over a metal bar that struck my shin. Initially it was a small bruise and the next day I was walking fine. By the end of the night, my feet ankles and calf were swollen. I went to the emergency room and the X-ray shoed no fracture. I was told I'd be better in 5 to 10 days. I iced and elevated my leg. The bruising spread to my whole calf and feet and now it's completelt resorbed.
In the beginning it would be very painful momentarily when I stand. It has been a month and there is only mild soreness when I stand. Now a persistent lingering, tender to the touch swollen area the size of a softball persists on my shin after 1 month. I'm able to walk, jog and there is no numbness or tingling on my leg.
How do I get treat this swollen large lump on my shin?

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggestive of post traumatic hematoma.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the painful swelling over the left shin and the ankle.

After having gone through the problem described and the uploaded photograph, I am of the opinion that you have a collection of blood in the tissues beneath the skin due to the trauma you had earlier.

I would like to know some more information like;
1. Do you take any medication like blood thinner, Aspirin,or treatment of high BP?
2. Do you have any medical illness like diabetes, bleeding disorder, etc.

Please provide the requested information so as to comment on the treatment modalities.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (15 hours later)

Dear Dr XXXXXXX

Thanks for your prompt reply,

Unfortunately, I too asprin on the first day only. I was given an 8 day supply of vitamin on day one. Which is finished.
I have high blood pressure. 140/100 that I was trying to control with excercise. No bp meds..
Currently I take no meds and no other medical conditions. .

Error .. I was given an 8 day supply of Vicodin. ( not vitamin )

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The BP should be controlled and hematoma to be treated.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your kind information.

Well, high BP could have been responsible for the development of a large hematoma following the trauma.

You are advised to visit a surgeon for the treatment of hematoma.
Most hematomas resolve spontaneously. Since you have a slightly high BP, it should be controlled first with possible use of medications then the surgeon will take a decision to aspirate the hematoma.

Hope this answers your query.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (5 hours later)

Thank you very much!

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It's my pleasure.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir,

Glad to know that you are convinced with the suggestions that I made.
Hopefully the BP will be controlled in due course of time and hence the enlarging soft tissue swelling due to hematoma will revert back to its normal condition.

Wishing you best of your health.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj