knot on tibia after fall - normal?

Published

Specializes in MICU.

about 3 weeks ago, i was at the gym getting on the elliptical trainers. i fell and hit the step with my right shin (all my body weight - a lot of impact :chuckle ). it barely broke the skin, but made a whopping bruise for about 1.5 weeks. i could not do certain exercises like leg extensions.

2 weeks later the bruise was gone, but my shin started hurting when i walked. tonight when i rubbed lotion over the area (tibia), i had a huge knot there. i just now measured it: 4.5 inches x 3 inches. it is not bruised like a hematoma. it just hurts - all the time.

here is my thought process: if i originally fractured it, i should not have been able to use it over the last 2-3 weeks --- right? so, that is why i did not go to the dr.

could the knot just be normal remodeling of the bone after an injury (osteoclasts and osteoblast activity after an injury make the area inflamed and sore) ??? maybe ???

what to do next? ... ice or heat?...... nsaids/tyl ??..... wrap it with ace bandage or not? ......and duhhh - go to the dr or not? ...i really don't want to spend the $30 at the dr office if it is more than likely not warranted (we are really pinching pennies with tcu tuition coming up) $30 for dr + more if xrays.

i am curious as to what are your thoughts or suggestions?

thanks for any and all comments,

lifelongstudent.....aka...klutz :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I was 15 I got hit with a broom stick on my shin. I had a painful lump for weeks. I finally went away. If it were me, I would take motrin every 6-8 and try to rest it as much as possible. I think you are right, odds are you did not fracture anything. Hope you feel better!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

I had something similar once, and it too took weeks longer than the skin bruise/scraping to go away. I was told it was a bone bruise. I believe that's when the outer sheath of the bone (periosteum?) develops a hematoma. (sorry, I'm drawing on my anatomy or years ago!)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU.
I had something similar once, and it too took weeks longer than the skin bruise/scraping to go away. I was told it was a bone bruise. I believe that's when the outer sheath of the bone (periosteum?) develops a hematoma. (sorry, I'm drawing on my anatomy or years ago!)

I know exactly what you are talking about! Anatomy from years ago is still working. I am going to save the $$$ and just baby it.

Thanks for the input,

LifeLONGstudent

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion