<s>[INST] I have had back pain for almost 2 weeks. This in itself is not unusual, as i believe it is a pinching of a nerve which I have experienced before. This in turn creates a pain going down to the knee area. However, this is not my main concern. My right shin has a strange spongy feeling when I press against it, and the flesh stays depressed after taking my fingers away. Bruising follows after a day or so. I have been working whilst on my knees for short periods lately, but have had no injuries. [/INST] Hi, The spongy feeling you describe that is brought on pressing the shin is called pitting edema. It is not related to the backache that you have been experiencing due to a pinched nerve. It is mostly related to either pooling of blood in your lower limbs or thyroid/ liver/ kidney issues. I would suggest you consult a general physician and get it sorted out after doing blood check for thyroid, liver and kidney function. </s>