Seeking Advice on My Knee Injury: Financial Constraints
Hello everyone, I could really use some advice regarding an injury I sustained to my knee. It occurred while I was playing baseball; I swung the bat with full force without adequate footwear and ended up twisting my knee quite severely. I experienced immediate pain and was unable to bear any weight on it. After about an hour, my knee felt locked. I returned home right away, and within four hours, significant swelling developed, although the pain was relatively mild. Now, four days later, I can bend my knee to a certain extent, but it still feels weak. While sitting, bending it to a 90-degree angle doesn’t cause me discomfort. I can apply some pressure on it, and although it doesn’t hurt, there is a sensation that it might buckle under me. Consequently, I’m hesitant to walk on it until I have an MRI done. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to see a doctor due to financial issues and lack of insurance, but I plan to schedule an MRI soon, hopefully within the next two days. I’m curious to know if anyone thinks this might be a serious issue. I’ve been employing the RICE treatment method and, interestingly, I don’t feel pain in my knee when I’m at rest. It’s been three days since I've taken any pain medication. Looking back on my knee history, I suffered an avulsion fracture on the same knee five years ago. Luckily, that injury didn’t require surgery and healed with a cast and plenty of rest. However, the pain back then was much more intense and I was unable to bend my knee for several months, during which it was locked and I could not put any weight on it. I apologize for any language errors; English isn’t my first language and I haven’t had many opportunities to speak it recently.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 7:00:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a significant knee injury, and I understand it's concerning, especially since you have financial constraints and a previous injury history. Let’s break down your situation, discuss possible concerns, and outline some practical steps you can take.
Main Points
- Current Symptoms: You have swelling, weakness, and a feeling of instability in your knee after a recent injury.
- Past Injury: Your history of an avulsion fracture indicates that it's important to be cautious with any new knee issues.
- RICE Method: You’re currently using rest, ice, compression, and elevation, which is good for managing swelling.
Explanation
From your description, it seems like a potential ligament injury (like an ACL or MCL sprain) or a meniscus injury. The locking sensation you felt and the swelling are concerning symptoms that can indicate more significant issues within the knee joint. The fact that you are able to bend your knee without pain at rest is a positive sign, but the feeling of weakness and instability suggests that you should proceed carefully to avoid further damage.
Next Steps
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Continue RICE: Keep using the RICE method.
- Rest: Limit activities that put pressure on the knee.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to help reduce swelling.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or knee brace to provide support and reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your knee elevated above heart level when sitting or lying down, which can help with swelling.
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Gentle Movement: Gradually start gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated, but stop if you experience pain. For example, you can try slowly bending and straightening your knee while lying down.
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Observe Symptoms: Monitor your knee closely. If you experience increasing pain, difficulty walking, or any new symptoms like severe swelling, bruising, or heat in the joint, this requires more immediate attention.
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Plan for MRI: If you can scheduled your MRI, this will provide more information on what’s going on inside your knee. Make sure to ask your imaging center if they offer any financial assistance or sliding scale fees based on income.
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Consider Alternative Care Options: If you’re hesitant to see a doctor due to cost, explore community health clinics or local organizations that might offer subsidized care for injuries.
Given your history and current symptoms, please prioritize getting that MRI as soon as you can. It's vital to understand what's happening in your knee to prevent further injury. Please keep me posted on how you're feeling and if you need more specific advice. Your health and recovery are the most important!
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