An Unexpected Crowd Surf Incident
Hey everyone. I’ll keep this short. Last night, while attending a concert, I was positioned away from the mosh pit when suddenly, a guy came hurtling towards me and landed square on my knee before I could react. The pain was immediate, and I quickly went to find some ice to alleviate the swelling. For about an hour, I managed to hobble around, although it was with a significant limp and considerable discomfort. Later on, while trying to sleep, I was jolted awake around 2 AM due to blinding pain and a loss of vision, which nearly caused me to faint. I made my way to the emergency room, where x-rays were taken, thankfully showing no fractures. However, this is where my situation worsened. They advised me to consult a specialist for ligament injuries. Unfortunately, my health insurance is based in Oregon, while I'm currently residing in Illinois, meaning I can’t easily see a doctor here. My coverage only extends to ER and urgent care visits. At this point, my knee feels incredibly tight, bending and straightening it causes severe pain, and it’s noticeably swollen. Getting out of bed is quite the ordeal, as I have to physically lift my leg and swing it off the edge of the mattress. I'm relying on crutches because I can't bear any weight on it. My question is, do you think there's a chance this could merely be a sprain that might heal naturally? I'm uncertain about flying with this injury and hesitant about leaving my dad’s insurance for a new plan (though it might become necessary). I'm feeling lost on what steps to take next.
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 8:51:01 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you reached out for advice during this challenging situation. Based on what you've described, it sounds like you may have a significant knee injury, potentially involving a sprain or even a ligament issue, especially since you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving your knee.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms suggest a serious knee injury that may take time to heal.
- Immediate self-care is essential to manage pain and swelling.
- Explore options for follow-up care despite your insurance challenges.
Explanation:
Even though your X-rays showed no fractures, the swelling and pain you’re experiencing could indicate a sprain, ligament damage, or soft tissue injury, which often don't show up on X-rays. Sprains can often heal on their own, but more serious injuries might require medical intervention to ensure proper healing and to prevent further complications.
Next Steps:
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Rest and Elevation: Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling. Avoid putting any weight on it to prevent further injury.
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Ice Therapy: Continue applying ice to your knee for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours. Make sure to have a cloth barrier between the ice and your skin to prevent frostbite.
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Compression: If you have access to a knee brace or elastic bandage, use it to provide support and reduce swelling.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help control pain and inflammation. Follow the dosing recommendations on the package.
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice increased swelling, redness, warmth, or if the pain worsens, that may indicate a more serious issue.
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Explore Telemedicine: Since your insurance covers only certain types of visits, consider looking into telehealth options. Many specialists offer consultations via video calls, which could provide you with the needed guidance without the constraints of location.
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Evaluate Your Options: While it may not be ideal, keep an open mind about seeking care at an urgent clinic or specialist if your symptoms don’t improve. They may offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees.
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Flight Considerations: If flying is necessary, it's critical to rest your knee before and during the trip. Ask about wheelchair assistance at the airport and avoid long periods without moving.
Take care of yourself, and if you have any specific questions or concerns along the way, feel free to ask!
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