Just knackered knee, help me decide what to do

[BoffinMum]

Just had a big prat fall. Fell heavily on the side of my leg and my knee is swollen and starting to bruise. I can walk on it but bending it is really hard. I’ve got it up on pillows, got ice on it, and I’ve taken ibuprofen. Should I do anything else? What do you all think?

Do you have a minor injuries anywhere nearby?

Oh dear, you might need an xray on that.

Is your whole knee swollen? Often if you have an impact without causing too much damage it'll swell in one spot. If the swelling is significant and involved your whole knee you might have a fracture and an x-ray would be advised. I've seen people who have a knee fracture and can still walk (I'm a sonographer). A&E.

I am staying overnight in Bristol, I have no idea what’s where. I am very wary of attempting A and E on a Saturday night tbh

You're doing all the right things, but it might be worth getting an x ray at minor injuries. It's pretty normal to struggle with bending it after injury because of the swelling.

If there's a minor injuries with an x-ray available you may be seen quicker, though if triage think your injury is serious you might be seen quicker at A&E. Where I work minor injuries can actually take longer. Not sure about Bristol. You're right though, Saturday night can be a nightmare.

It got a hot swelling on the side but it’s gone down with the ice. It’s developing a bruise with a lump under it that is sore. It feels a little unstable if I prod things but not horrendously so. It’s not the whole knee that’s swollen, just the outside bit.

I’d be genuinely surprised if it’s broken tbh

Doesn't sound broken to me but can't say for sure without looking at it so won't advise any further. Hope you feel better soon.

I did this on a holiday to Europe. Jumped down some steps and knackered my knee. We did go to the local hospital and they didn't X-ray or do anything except bandage it and give me painkillers. So I'd not bother with a&e. Just rest; ice, compress and elevate. Then book into see a physiotherapist in a few weeks.

Took me about two months of treatment and exercise to get mine back to good working order.

I couldn't put any weight on my leg so you sound better than I was!

It’s a bit more flexible now, it’s not normal but I managed to get some pyjamas on. I think it will probably be OK and certainly not worth going to A and E on a Saturday night for. Thanks everyone!

Ice?