A goose egg is a colloquial term used for hematoma or collection of old blood under the skin and above the bone. It is usually the result of an injury on the surface of the skin. The size of goose egg may not relate to the intensity of blow or an injury, because even a minor blow can result in a large goose egg.
Shin is the frontal part of the lower leg bone. The bone called tibia. It is a strong bone which bears the weight of body. In between the shin and skin overlying the bone, there is hardly any subcutaneous fat or tissue which can cushion the area.
People playing certain sports such as football, hockey, rugby etc are always at risk of suffering from goose egg on their skin. A direct hit on the shin bone from another player is often the underlying cause. A goose egg on shin can remain for weeks or months. Initial treatment will help to resolve the lump quickly and reduce the pain.
Symptoms Of Goose Egg On Shin Bone
No sooner the shin bone is hit, the blood vessels under the skin can be damaged and broken. Blood leaks from the damaged blood vessels and the affected area becomes swollen. The skin over shin becomes bruised and discolored. It may become blue or dark. There may be signs of scratches on the affected area.
The swollen area becomes tender to touch. Pain remains for prolonged period of time. Sometimes it is difficult to walk. The swollen area on shin is warm to touch. It is soft to touch in the beginning, but over a period of time the swelling becomes lumpy and hard due to clotting of blood.
What Causes A Goose Egg Bump On Shin?
Anyone can suffer from goose egg on shin; however the condition is more common in adolescents and those playing contact sports. People suffering from blood disorders such as hemophilia are more susceptible to develop goose eggs on shin even with minor trauma.
The other categories of people who may be at risk of developing this lower leg problem are those who are taking anti coagulant medications (blood thinners). People suffering from varicose veins in lower leg may also develop swelling on their shin, if the blood from swollen vein leaks into the empty space between the skin and shin of tibia.
Natural Ways To Treat A Goose Egg On Shin
A small goose egg on shin area may not need any treatment as it may resolve on its own within few days. However, a large swelling over the shin area may require careful treatment as this may last for long duration and even affect daily life. Primary treatment consists of first aid soon after the area over the shin is injured.
- Rest is essential first aid treatment. It helps localize the swelling and accelerate healing process. Patient should stop all physical activities for few days.
- Apply ice on the goose egg. Take few cubes of ice in a clean cloth and rub it over the injured region. Ice helps to stop leakage of blood from the traumatized blood vessels. Blood clots immediately on applying ice over the shin area. Do ice fomentation for 10 minutes at an interval of three to four hours for one or two days.
- Compression is an essential part of treatment. Wrap a compression bandage such as elastocrepe bandage on the affected area. This will reduce swelling and stop bleeding from the broken blood vessels.
- Keep your leg elevated above the heart level. Elevation will allow the blood to flow more in the direction of heart.
- Patient may require anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. However, it should be taken only on physician’s prescription. Precautionary antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infection in the swelling, especially if the skin over shin is broken.
- Homeopathic medicine Arnica and Ruta are effective in resolving the swelling quickly.
- Home remedy such as turmeric helps to reduce swelling and pain. Take a pinch of turmeric powder and mix it with warm milk. Drink one glass of this milk two times in a day.
- Eat fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain vitamin C. This vitamin assists in healing process.