Expert: Robert Borucki - 11/9/2009

Question
I walked into the dishwasher door that was open and parallel to the floor.  I bruised my shin close to my ankle.  This was over three weeks ago.  I have a lump under the skin that feels hard like a small marble and that area is still sore.  I'm worried about this lump and would like to know what it might be and if I need to see a doctor about it.  I am 38 years old.

Answer
that area has little tissue between the bone and the skin... when bruised, there is some bleeding in the site that then hardens and you will have a lump that will go down slowly over months.  There are not major veins in the front so no worries about a blood clot.  When that lump does go down, you may see bruising in the ankle or bottom of foot or toes as the blood settles out.   Hope this helps.....