question: I hit my shin pretty hard against a metal object 5 days ago. It hurt but I kept working. I work 12 hour shifts on my feet and even though the pain has eased up some the swelling is still really bad. The bruising has now started and is down to my foot. The swelling goes from the middle of my shin to my ankle, especially when I remove my socks. Is this normal? I work on an off shore oil rig and won t be back to town for another week. I just want to know if I could be hurting it more by standing or should I find a way to see a doctor?