Diagnosis | Bump on the shin

Diagnosis

When diagnosing a bump on the lower leg, specific questions are most important, which the doctor will also ask during his examinations. First of all, it is decisive whether there is a recognisable cause for the development of the bump. If it is the result of a minor injury, there is usually no disease that requires specific treatment and one can wait for the further course of the disease.

The tibia can be cooled occasionally to provide support. In addition, further questions, for example about accompanying symptoms, concomitant diseases or long-term medication, can be important for the diagnosis. The second important part in making a diagnosis is the physical examination of the bump on the shin bone.

In most cases, a close examination of the swelling provides information about the cause. If a bruise appears, it is a bleeding, for example due to an injury. A localised clear redness can be an indication of an insect bite as the cause of the bump on the shin. In addition to viewing, other findings can be made by feeling the bump. Diagnostics beyond this, such as ultrasound or a blood sample, are not necessary or indicated in most cases and should be reserved for exceptional cases where a benefit could result from these measures.

Therapy

The treatment of a bump on the shin bone is carried out according to the cause. Since in most cases it is the result of an injury to the lower leg caused by striking or during sports, a therapy according to the PECH rule can be applied. Here the acronym stands for the four measures that should be taken to ensure that the body recovers from the injury and the bump can recede.

The P stands for pause and means that one should not do any sport as long as the bump on the lower leg causes discomfort. The E stands for ice, which means that the recovery of the bump should be supported by temporary but not permanent cooling. Immediately after a severe injury, a compression bandage (C “Compression”) can be applied if necessary to reduce the formation of a bump.

The H stands for high positioning of the leg. Since the bruise on the lower leg after an injury is based on water retention, elevation of the leg helps it to be absorbed and removed, so that the body can remove the bruise much more easily than if the person concerned is only sitting or standing. In the vast majority of cases, a bump on the shin bone will disappear by itself with these supporting treatment measures. Only in a few cases, on the other hand, is it necessary to have a special targeted therapy. Depending on the underlying health disorder, this can take the form of medication or in very rare cases even surgery.