How do you know if a shin injury is serious?
How do you know if a shin injury is serious?
You should call your doctor if your shin pain is severe or if it doesn’t go away after a few weeks of rest. Call your doctor if your legs are very swollen, red or painful. These symptoms could be signs of an infection or another condition.
Why is my shin swollen after hitting it?
A hematoma is the result of a traumatic injury to your skin or the tissues underneath your skin. When blood vessels under your skin are damaged and leak, the blood pools and results in a bruise. A hematoma forms as your blood clots, resulting in swelling and pain.
What can you do for a swollen shin?
Reduce Your Pain and Swelling
- Ice your shins. Ice several times a day for 3 days or until pain is gone.
- Do stretching exercises, especially over the front part of the shin.
- Take ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin to decrease swelling and to help with pain.
- Use arch supports.
- Work with a physical therapist.
How long does it take for a swollen shin to heal?
It depends on what caused them. People also heal at different rates; 3 to 6 months isn’t unusual. The most important thing is that you don’t rush back into your sport. If you start to work out before your shin heals, you may hurt yourself permanently.
How do you know if you have a hairline fracture in your shin?
Pain in response to pressure is often the key for your doctor to diagnose a hairline fracture. MRI: The best imaging test for determining hairline fractures is an MRI. This test uses magnets and radio waves to provide images of your bones. An MRI will determine a fracture before an X-ray can.
Can you fracture your shin and still walk?
In fact, some people may even be able to walk on a fractured leg depending on where their injury is. 1 While all fractures cause pain, there are other signs to look out for that may indicate that a bone is broken.
How long does a shin hematoma take to heal?
It’s important to see your doctor if your bruise swells or becomes a firm lump, because it might mean something more severe happened under the skin. A hematoma is not a bruise. Depending on the cause, it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for a hematoma to go away.
How do you know if you have a stress fracture in your shin?
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?
- Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
- Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
- Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
- Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.
When should I be concerned about leg swelling?
Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.
How do I know if I have a stress fracture in my shin?
The symptoms of a stress fracture can include:
- Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
- Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
- Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
- Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.
Can you walk with a stress fracture in your shin?
Doctors do not recommend walking when you have a stress fracture because it may reopen the partially healed fracture, and you may have to begin the recovery process again. Although you can walk, doctors would recommend staying away from hard surfaces and not walking long distances.
What does a hairline fracture in the shin feel like?
What are the symptoms of a hairline fracture? The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don’t stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest.
What does a hematoma on leg look like?
A hematoma near the skin, such as a hematoma on the leg, is visible as a reddish area that may bulge out like a lump, depending on the amount of blood that pools. However, hematomas are not visible by eye when they develop deeper under the skin or internally.
Can a shin stress fracture heal on its own?
Stress fractures generally heal on their own with simple measures, such as avoiding activities that put stress on the area. In some cases, however, surgery is needed to help the fracture heal properly. Many stress fractures occur in the foot or lower leg.
What happens if leg swelling is left untreated?
Edema left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection.
How can I tell if I have a hairline fracture in my shin?
What are 3 signs and symptoms of a tibial stress fracture?
What are the symptoms of a stress fracture?
- Pain, swelling or aching at the site of fracture.
- Tenderness or “pinpoint pain” when touched on the bone.
- Pain that begins after starting an activity and then resolves with rest.
- Pain that’s present throughout the activity and does not go away after the activity has ended.
What are the symptoms of shin pain on the outside leg?
Chronic symptoms: 1 With gradual onset or chronic shin pain on the outside of the leg, the large tibialis anterior muscles increase from training and overuse. 2 You will probably find it difficult to lift up your foot (dorsiflexion). 3 When you exercise, the muscle fills with blood and expands causing pain.
What are the symptoms of a swollen lower leg?
Common characteristics and other symptoms of a swollen lower leg. 1 Pain. 2 Redness or warmth of the lower leg. 3 Pitting: The skin dimples or dents after pressing on the affected area for a few seconds. 4 Cramping or soreness. 5 Feeling of heaviness. 6 Stretched or shiny skin. 7 Stiffness. 8 Limited range of motion.
What causes a swollen shin or calf?
Other common causes of a swollen shin or calf include trauma from an injury that can lead to bruises, fractures, or sprains. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options.
What causes swelling after a cut on the leg?
Infection or wound: Anytime you get a cut, scrape, or more serious wound, your body rushes fluid and white blood cells to the area. That causes swelling. If it lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, see a doctor. If the wound gets infected, you could have more swelling.
