Should I Be Concerned About a Dent in My Shinbone?
At 34 years old, I have been dealing with a peculiar indentation in my right shin since I was 12, which occurred during an injury at a sixth-grade camp. Despite never having consulted a physician about it, the dent never caused significant issues until recently. Over the last year, I have begun experiencing increased pain in that area. My attempts to research this have led me to various suggestions online, indicating that such indentations are uncommon and might be linked to a hematoma or a bone bruise. Nonetheless, given that it’s been over 22 years, I would expect any such injuries to have resolved long ago. Now, I'm left wondering if this is something I should genuinely be worried about, especially since the pain has become more pronounced lately, or if it's simply a sign of aging—perhaps I'm just getting older and that's why I’m feeling aches. 😂 I have a doctor’s appointment in a few weeks for an unrelated issue, and I intend to bring this up for discussion. However, I’m eager for any advice or insights before then.
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 12:02:00 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a longstanding dent in your shin that has recently started causing pain. Given the history of injury at a young age and the new pain over the last year, there are several factors to consider, but it’s good that you plan to discuss this with your physician.
Main Points:
- A dent in your shin that has become painful warrants evaluation, especially since it has changed over time.
- Potential causes could range from residual effects of the initial injury to other conditions that may have developed.
- Monitoring your symptoms and overall joint health in the meantime is essential.
Explanation:
The indentation in your shin may have originally been caused by the injury you sustained at camp, possibly resulting in changes to the bone or soft tissue. Over time, it's possible that changes such as stress reactions, inflammation, or even issues related to arthritis could contribute to the pain you're experiencing now. While aging does bring about joint changes, acute changes in a region that was previously stable aren't typical and should be assessed.
Next Steps:
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of the pain, noting when it occurs, its intensity, and any activities that may worsen or alleviate the discomfort. This can provide valuable information to your physician.
- Limit Strain on the Area: Avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your leg or contribute to pain until your appointment.
- Use Ice and Elevation: If the area is swollen or painful, applying ice can help reduce inflammation. Elevating your leg may also relieve discomfort.
- Discuss with Your Doctor: Bring your concerns and symptom diary to your upcoming appointment. Be specific about changes in pain, any new symptoms, and how they affect your daily life.
Taking these steps can help ensure you have a clearer understanding of your situation and facilitate a fruitful discussion with your doctor. If the symptoms worsen significantly before your appointment, consider seeking immediate care. You deserve to feel comfortable and healthy.
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