I fell on a stair and landed directly on my shin. Now it is swollen about an inch high starting just below my knee all the down right before my ankle line. The swelling also goes around the front half of my calf, (diameter wise.) It hurts to apply any sort of pressure when I walk, but I CAN walk, just very painfully. Should I be concerned of a broken bone or would you consider this to be a moderate contusion?
Hi. Welcome to Chat Doctor . I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns. As per your complaint it seems that swelling of the shin after falling off the stairs and landing in the shin can be due to soft tissue injury leading to inflammation of the soft tissues and accumulation of inflammatory exudate. In case if you are able to put weight on the leg and walk, although there can be pain does not seem like bony fracture and seems like soft tissue injury only that can lead to ligament tears. I would suggest you to consult an Orthopedic and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like x-ray can help in confirmation of course. In case if there is a bony fracture reduction of fracture segments and immobilization using a cast or splint can help. In case if there is only soft tissue injury application of analgesic ointment, cool compresses, tying a crape bandage and elevation of leg while lying down and taking anti-inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen can help. Hope this information helps. Thanks and regards. Chat Doctor. 