A fractured shinbone is a painful injury that will impact your health in many ways, including your ability to walk without discomfort. If you suspect a fractured shinbone, it’s imperative to seek immediate medical attention to determine the best treatment strategy.
The most common symptoms associated with a fractured shinbone include:
- Pain in your lower leg
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on your leg
- Tingling in your foot
- Deformity
- Inability to bend your knee without pain
- Swelling around the injury
The only way to know exactly what type of injury you have is to receive a medical diagnosis. Your doctor will order a variety of tests, such as an X-ray and MRI, to better understand your injury and the severity.
If your doctor finds that you have a fractured shinbone, there are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options. For example, nonsurgical treatment includes:
- Cast
- Brace
- Physical therapy
- Pain medication
- Splints
In the event of a severely fractured shinbone, such as one that causes damage to the local area, surgery may be required.
If you suffer a fractured shinbone on the job, such as from a fall from height or high-speed collision, stop where you are and call for help. Also, report the accident and injury to your supervisor.
Since it will take several weeks or months to recover, consider your options in regard to your work. If your medical team suggests time away from the job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. This allows you to receive some income while you recover, which lessens the financial burden of your injury.