knee injuries?

[Graciescotland]

I fell off a ladder last Thursday, platform thing to do gutters at ground floor so only about three foot but landed awkwardly on one leg in a kneeling position.

Initially knee seemed fine but swollen but now swelling has gone down and it hurts like buggery. It's almost ok if I'm limping in a straight line but any side to side movement is agony, can barely do stairs one at a time holding on to bannister. Am completely sleep deprived as I roll onto my side and get stabbing type pain.

I didn't go to a and e initially but is it worth trotting along now? Wait till post five and call ooh? I can't get a doctors appointment till post weekend. Private physio would they see me before I'd seen a doctor? Anyone any good with knees?

You need to go to A&E as they will x-ray you there. If it is the soft tissues - ligament/cartilage/tendon damage you will need an MRI scan to determine any damage there.
Don't leave it as if something is broken , early treatment is important.
Good luck

I would go to the GP. Very unlikely A&E will do any more than maybe an x-ray. MRI scans are too expensive, so you will be advised to rest it.

I would say some ligament damage. Unlikely you have broken anything - you'd know about it.

A&E is for emergencies.

Actually, a private physio will be best bet. About £35 and they will tell you exectly what you've done.

Thanks found a physio who squeezed me in reckons I've damaged the cartilidge; minimum of a month to get back to normal and a "gentle exercise regime"

I tore my cartilage and after 6 weeks of hobbling, hobbled over to see GP. He diagnosed pulled knee cap tendons. Said they would repair themselves but could take 18 months.
3 years later it got worse, was referred to a specialist who diagnosed probable cartilage tears. MRI scan confirmed this.
Had the Artrhroscopy op in 2006, and then physio who was given instructions from the hospital pertaining to my particular needs.

Problem is, as always, budgets.

First off you are best seeing a private physio, even if it is just once as they do this day to day. If the exercise regime isn't working, they can advise you of the next step.

TBH I had something similar to digerd. Private physio suggested I may need Artrhoscopy early in my treatment. My GP agreed. Upon referrals the consultant said, nah it will heal. It didn't and I was back and forth to the hospital for nearly 2 years before they agreed surgery was needed.

Surgery done, 18 months later all was fine (not in the 3-6 months - sometimes things take an age).