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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not know where to turn for help with this?

333 replies

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:01

I fell and fractured my ankle a week ago. I was told it’s a stable fracture to be treated like a sprain. I also really tore up my knee, which has been very slow to heal.

A week on and I’m still incredibly swollen, bruised and my ankle is becoming more and more painful. My knee is still very sore, the actual skin is numb but I have pain at the base and top of my kneecap. It also feels a little unstable and I am getting sharp stabbing pains to one side of my kneecap.

My GP isn’t interested. They say that I have to go to physio if I need, as it’s a muscular injury.

Physio has an eight week minimum wait for a video consultation.

This obviously isn’t an A&e situation (shamefully I did go to A&E for the initial injury because it had a very short wait time, it seemed to be a quiet time of day!), and they wouldn’t take a look at my knee anyway as it’s a “superficial injury”.

Minor injuries is now by appointment only in my area and appointments are gone within a minute of opening.

I’ve tried the pharmacy for the graze that isn’t healing but they just say to dress it and keep it clean and it’ll heal “eventually”.

I feel like I’m being turned away at every turn but I’m in so much pain, I’m left feeling sick by lunchtime because my ankle is that sore, and by the end of the day I can’t stand walking around. I have basic physio exercises from my last sprain years ago but I can’t do them, but I can’t be seen by anyone.

Please don’t suggest a private physio assessment, it’s not within my budget at all. AIBU to just feel despondent and like I can’t get help anywhere?

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Insecurepanda · 16/09/2026 22:07

I’m so sorry this is happening to you. What happens when you call 111 - what do they tell you to do?

ultimately you may well need to complain in order to get seen I’m afraid.

3luckystars · 16/09/2026 22:06

you are walking on a fractured ankle?

Silverbirchleaf · 16/09/2026 22:06

Did you have any X-rays or scans done? If not, I’d go back to an and e and explain the situation, especially as the pain is increasing. Alternatively, speak to 111 first and get them to refer you a minor injuries clinic. I think it needs to be looked at again.

ihowlforyou · 16/09/2026 22:05

PurpleLovecats · 16/09/2026 22:04

Well personally as your symptoms are worsening, I would go to A and E.

As an aside though, why are you walking on it? You really need to rest up and let it heal!

I’ve been told I can! I’ve cut my activity down to the bare minimum but my everyday commute and life totals about 5000 steps.

OP posts:
museumum · 16/09/2026 22:05

You shouldn’t be walking on it. A bad sprain can take six weeks to heal and longer to rebuild strength. I’m not surprised it hurts. I sprained my ankle badly and couldn’t walk on it really for about three weeks. I eventually paid for private physio (£40ish) which was invaluable. I know you said you can’t afford it and fair enough if you really are living hand to mouth but if there’s any way you can borrow or save £40-50 please do it.

3luckystars · 16/09/2026 22:04

Of course you went to an and e for this??? That’s perfectly normal to do that and actually I would go back there again and get re xrayed.

This is sub standard care.

PurpleLovecats · 16/09/2026 22:04

Well personally as your symptoms are worsening, I would go to A and E.

As an aside though, why are you walking on it? You really need to rest up and let it heal!

IndiaFeatherstone · 16/09/2026 22:03

Why the shame at going when you were diagnosed with a fracture ? Don’t be sorry. You had a bad injury ! I’m sure someone more useful will be along but rest and elevate and ice it?