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Sharp Pain In The Tibia. Lump And Bruising In The Calf Muscle. Pain While Climbing And Jumping. Stress Fracture?
I am a 16 year old female lacrosse player who is 5'5" and about 115 pounds. I have sharp shin pain on the inner portion of my tibia, about 2/3 down from my knee near the side where the main calf muscle attaches. There is a small hard lump on the point of pain and there is slight bruising on the area,but no swelling. It hurts when running, no matter the speed and intensity, when climbing stairs, when jumping, and after a workout. Only on my right shin. Is this just a shin splint or is it a stress fracture? should I be worried?
posted on
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
Answered on
Tue, 30 Apr 2013
Last reviewed on
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. This is just to inform you that shin splints & stress fractures in tibia are synonymous and nothing need to be worried. This is usually self limiting condition with spontaneous recovery provided adequate rest is given without any vigorous activities. Simple analgesics with ocassional hot fomentation should solve the problem. If it still persists after these measures, you need an ortho surgeons consultation. Hope this helps
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A combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation is often sufficient to soothe a mild calf muscle ache. Rest your leg taking care to avoid placing too much weight on it and over-exerting yourself. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth or towel, then apply it to the painful area for up to 20 minutes at a time. If you experience swelling in the area, cover it with an elastic sleeve or bandage. Elevating your leg above heart level also reduces inflammation and soreness.Gently massaging your sore muscle with topical arnica cream provides a warming sensation and fast relief. This medicinal herb is renowned for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Wash your hands after applying the cream to avoid getting it in your eyes. You can find arnica creams and ointments at health food stores and natural healing centers.
Gentle stretching helps to ease away calf muscle pain without causing further damage. Start by placing your hands on a wall and standing with your left leg outstretched behind you. Your right leg needs to be bent at the knee and positioned approximately 1 foot in front of the left. With your hands still flat against the wall, dip your body slightly downward, and hold that position for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat until you feel relief.
welcome to health care magic
A combination of rest, ice, compression and elevation is often sufficient to soothe a mild calf muscle ache. Rest your leg taking care to avoid placing too much weight on it and over-exerting yourself. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth or towel, then apply it to the painful area for up to 20 minutes at a time. If you experience swelling in the area, cover it with an elastic sleeve or bandage. Elevating your leg above heart level also reduces inflammation and soreness.Gently massaging your sore muscle with topical arnica cream provides a warming sensation and fast relief. This medicinal herb is renowned for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Wash your hands after applying the cream to avoid getting it in your eyes. You can find arnica creams and ointments at health food stores and natural healing centers.
Gentle stretching helps to ease away calf muscle pain without causing further damage. Start by placing your hands on a wall and standing with your left leg outstretched behind you. Your right leg needs to be bent at the knee and positioned approximately 1 foot in front of the left. With your hands still flat against the wall, dip your body slightly downward, and hold that position for 30 seconds. Switch legs and repeat until you feel relief.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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