Originally Posted by slvoid
Anyone know how to figure out if the shin bone's broken, cracked, or whatnot without an xray? Just concerned since the shin bone seems to be mighty thin and completely exposed unlike most of the other bones in the body...
Personal experience from 10 years of Motocross racing:
With NO PAIN MEDICATION, Lay down and elevate the injured limb, keeping it fully supported and relaxed (such as on pillows).
When laying down, if it doesn't hurt, it probably isn't broken. Broken bones get that deep down throb that won't stop even when you're fully relaxed. Exception: The small bones in your wrist can act like a sprain even when broken.
Strains and Sprains tend to hurt only when you exert the muscle or tendon.
Your leg probably isn't broken. But if you have throbbing pain when you are resting, or if it hurts when you put weight on it, get it looked at. Don't bother with the emergency room if you can find anyone who can carry you home. Don't bother with a family doctor. Call an orthopedic specialist (generally a sports doctor is best), and make a direct appointment. It will save you hours of yoru time wasted on xrays and exams (and in waiting rooms) that the ortho guy will repeat anyhow. (Ortho guys have their own xray techs, and they don't trust xrays done by other specialties).
Best guess is it's just a nasty bruise and cut though.