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AIBU?

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Original poster

To go to an UTC after work?

37 replies

whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 12:46

I’ve got a knee injury which I’m awaiting a physio follow up and scan on.

in the last week or so it’s worsened, to the point my knee starts to lock and catch upon movement. It’s becoming more and more painful, and the 111 advice seems to be to go to UTC. Is this really the reasonable route though? My follow up for physio is likely to be a few months away yet due to the waiting list, so I don’t know what else to do

OP posts:
Original poster
whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 15:10

Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:08

Is it currently locked into position where you cannot bend it?

What you're describing does not sound like it's locked.

I’ve explained that no, it isn’t, but it’s constantly on the edge of it. I’d rather not hit that point because then I’m fucked.

OP posts:
Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:09

UTCs are generally open access so it really is up to you - might be wise to assess it based on how busy it is when you arrive.

I'm just warning you that it might not help.

Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:08

Is it currently locked into position where you cannot bend it?

What you're describing does not sound like it's locked.

Original poster
whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 15:07

Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:05

UTCs are usually manned by nurse practitioners, sometimes paramedic practitioners and/or GPs.

Almost all are sit and wait.

Whether it's worth it for you depends on what you want out of it - if you need help with pain management, that might be possible.

They won't be able to make the physio happen any faster though.

I understand with the physio and I get that. I’m just exhausted. It stops me sleeping, stops me exercising, I feel like I’m in my 90s at times

OP posts:
Original poster
whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 15:07

Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:06

'If it gets stuck' is when your knee is entirely locked and cannot be bent AT ALL.

Is that the case?

I can force it. But I can feel the knee locking, constantly

OP posts:
Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:06

'If it gets stuck' is when your knee is entirely locked and cannot be bent AT ALL.

Is that the case?

Ohfuckrucksack · 23/02/2026 15:05

UTCs are usually manned by nurse practitioners, sometimes paramedic practitioners and/or GPs.

Almost all are sit and wait.

Whether it's worth it for you depends on what you want out of it - if you need help with pain management, that might be possible.

They won't be able to make the physio happen any faster though.

Original poster
whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 14:59

I’m going through physio. But the new development of it locking can apparently be viewed as a medical emergency apparently if it gets stuck. I’m just in discomfort 24/7 and don’t know where to turn

OP posts:
Original poster
whereismyhusband · 23/02/2026 14:59

I’m going through physio. But the new development of it locking can apparently be viewed as a medical emergency apparently if it gets stuck. I’m just in discomfort 24/7 and don’t know where to turn

OP posts:
StormyLandCloud · 23/02/2026 14:51

Private physio every time IME. They’re not that expensive, a session is often around £40-50 in my area

ComtesseDeSpair · 23/02/2026 14:40

The rule of thumb with UTCs is to attend with things that require treatment that’s non-emergency but needs seeing within 24 hours. They can diagnose and treat things like broken bones and sprains but they can’t fast-track treatment you’ve already been referred for so they’re unlikely to be able to offer anything more useful than you’ve already had and are waiting for if you’ve already been referred for a scan and physio, beyond advising you to take things easy, take painkillers, and try bracing the joint.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 23/02/2026 14:33

Sounds like cartilage. I’ve had both knees operated on but they don’t like to anymore. UTC won’t be able to do anything. Can you go for private physio?

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