Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not go to the docs?

33 replies

Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 19:36

I’m a very active healthy person. I exercise daily for approx 2 hours.
Around 7 weeks ago I was hill climbing and I injured my knee at the top. I’m not sure what I did but the pain was enough to drop me to the ground and a fair bit of screaming.
Once the shock had worn off I was able to get back up and hobble the 3 hours back down the hill.
This knee is still causing me pain. I struggle to put a sock or shoe on. Once the leg is straight it eases but bending is tough. I’ve tried resting it and I’ve tried ignoring it and continue to workout.
It’s affecting my workouts (I can still workout however slower and less intense than I’d like)
Simple things like picking something up and even being intimate with my other half is very painful.
I’ve been dismissing the idea of getting it looked at by a doctor as I think there are people who need it more than me. I’m not sick, I have an injury which I thought would ease on its own. Since the accident the pain has not become worse or better. Just a steady pain.
Would you get it seen to or hope it passes with time?

OP posts:
lljkk · 13/12/2018 19:39

Soft tissue injury so they won't do anything (I suspect).
I am wondering about something like torn ligaments. I am not sure they have any treatment except surgery for the most severe cases. Mild knee ligaments (I read on next link) sorts itself.

Familiar symptoms?

lljkk · 13/12/2018 19:41

More info.

No physio will want to treat you without a full diagnosis, & seeing GP is only pathway to get that.

Sallygoroundthemoon · 13/12/2018 19:41

I'd agree about not going to the GP. They are generally terrible about these sorts of injuries but you should get it seen. Try a sports physio.

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 19:43

I’m of the opinion that I doubt they could do anything. I have family who have seen me struggle insist I have it looked at.
I’m thinking ligament or hamstring

OP posts:
TestingTestingWonTooFree · 13/12/2018 19:43

Arrange to see/speak to a physio if you can. If they think you need a scan/x-Ray they will say so.

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 19:44

A physio is a good option. I hadn’t even considere that. Thanks

OP posts:
TheGirlWithAllTheFeathers · 13/12/2018 19:48

Ok, here's my twopence-worth. You've done a ligament. I guarantee that without treatment, it will heal wrong. I did mine 25 years ago and strapped it up. It felt better but was never right. Finally a physio that I had to go to because of something else examined it and said it couldn't really be fixed now because it had healed wrong, attached in the wrong way. It still bothers me a little from time to time - going up stairs etc. So if you can self-refer or pay for a physio (they're in every High Street now) get one to have a look and they'll advise whether it's exercises you need or a Dr's visit. At least then you'll feel better about being referred. But don't just leave it.

strawberrypenguin · 13/12/2018 19:53

Did you dislocate it? Hurts like hell and can take a while to heal up. Take an anti inflamitory like ibuprofen it might help.
I've always found a heat pack helpful when I've dislocated my knee in the past too.

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 20:13

Thank you feathers.
A few have said similar that if left I could cause long term issues. Sorry to hear yours hasn’t healed fully.

Penguin, I didn’t disclocate it although there was a lot of popping and crunching from the kneecap but the pain is coming from the back of the knee

OP posts:
Floatyboat · 13/12/2018 21:26

I'd get it checked out. Not all gp's are good at msk stuff and the NHS (understandably) doesn't see this as a priority. Try the gp route and if you aren't getting anywhere consider whether going private is worth the money for you.

WillChellam · 13/12/2018 21:44

I'd ignore Feather's first two sentences, but probably pay attention to the rest of the reply.

Without a significant traumatic event, a ligament injury is virtually unheard of - unless it happened during the fall, after the initial problem caused the pain.

Much more likely to be a meniscal tear - will now be unrepairable after 7 weeks, but may still benefit from orthopaedic treatment / assessment. Other rarer benign things exist.

GP is absolutely the first port of call after 7 weeks - can refer to physio, knee surgeon or sometimes for a scan as required.

Phoenix76 · 13/12/2018 22:18

I agree with WillChellam particularly as you mentioned popping. I had a meniscal tear, identical symptons to yours although I needed surgery. You should see your gp to access the appropriate referral and if you’re worried about costing the nhs money (I’m the same!) it would cost more in the long run if you needed more treatment if it deteriorates. I hope it gets better soon.

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 22:20

Thanks everyone. I may bite the bullet then and have it checked out

OP posts:
Bambamber · 13/12/2018 22:25

I would get it seen to if it's not getting better after 7 weeks. From my personal experience with ligament injuries, I would normally expect to see some improvement by now

olympicsrock · 13/12/2018 22:30

I would see a doctor about this . You need an orthopaedic referral and probably an MRI scan ...

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 13/12/2018 22:31

The idea of surgery frightens me so much.
Maybe it’s worse than I was giving it credit. I just feel as I’m not sick, unwell and I in no way shape or form look like I need a doctor that I wouldn’t be taken seriously

OP posts:
Phoenix76 · 13/12/2018 22:49

Honestly, the surgery was very straightforward, I was out the next day. GPS are absolutely interested in your knee! You’ll probably get a ticking off for not going sooner! You’ve endured 7 weeks of this you deserve help, you’re not wasting anyone’s time.

Aquamarine1029 · 13/12/2018 23:07

Of COURSE you should go to the doctor! Not doing so may put you at risk of permanent injury. Don't be so fucking daft.

ToeToToe · 13/12/2018 23:13

An osteopath fixed my mum's knee injury. She had to pay - £40 per session (only 2 sessions iirc) but she said it was worth it. A GP will, I presume, refer you for free treatment, but you'll probably have to wait.

ToeToToe · 13/12/2018 23:15

*ps. My osteopath will tell you if you need to consult a GP.

lljkk · 14/12/2018 04:21

Info about NHS treatment for the m-tear.

pinkdelight · 14/12/2018 06:41

I can't believe you're still working out on it when it's that bad. Your body is telling you something's wrong. At the very least it needs time to recover but as pps say, see your gp or a physio so you understand what the pain is and can take appropriate action. Being healthy isn't just working out for hours. It's taking care of yourself.

TORDEVAN · 14/12/2018 07:10

Yabu, ignoring it might end up costing the NHS a lot more than if you had just gone to the GP!

Original poster
Prisonbreak · 14/12/2018 07:46

Thanks everyone. I’ll make an appointment and get it checked out

OP posts:
agedknees · 14/12/2018 07:51

If your dog was inso much pain you’d take him to the vets, yes?

So why do you think you are more unworthy of treatment?

Get it checked out, you don’t want to be left with a lifetime of limited movement/pain.

Swipe left for the next trending thread