My daughter is 11. Coming out of the pool she slipped on the ladder and banged her leg pretty bad. Needless to say she has a very big bruise on her shin. It is tender to the touch and a bit swollen. Im icing it 20 on 20 off. Anything else to do? She does easily bruise. In fact inXXXXXran EVERY bloodtest under the sun to rule out any bleeding disorders and everything else. The tests were all normal. Right now she said it feels better after the ice. Its now a dark purple/brown color. Its about 2" wide and long. Any input?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 11 Already Tried: Ice
Hello, OUCH! I'm sorry this happened. You are doing the right thing to ice it ; I'd also have her elevate that leg to also help decrease the swelling. I strongly doubt there is a break but the bruise will get bigger and "uglier" over the first 24-36 hours, then slowly resolve. IF your daughter cannot bear weight on the affected leg, then she should be seen in ER or by her pediatrician. Otherwise, ice and elevate, rest some next 1-2 days. All best,
Please ACCEPT if this answers your question fully or please let me know what further questions you have,
No, it is large because there is a lot of room there between skin and fascia for a bruise to expand. Again, if pain is so bad that your daughter can't bear weight, OR if she dose not have normal feeling in that foot, then she needs in-person medical attention. She should not need pain medicine, but if it does hurt that much then I'd give her tylenol rather than motrin or other related meds as they can affect platelet function (only in significant doses, but you've already communicated concerns about your daughter's "bruising easily"). Ice should help the discomfort. Try to get her to stay off her feet some tomorrow, not completely, but less running and jumping. Once the inflammation has peaked (48-72 hours) then activity will speed the resolution of the bruising and swelling.
Experience: Pediatrician, Board-certified in Ped Hematology/Oncology