Assesing damaged knee (on self)

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If you hear a loud "pop" in your knee when trying to stand up from sitting on ground, how many days of pain and inflammation would you endure before going to your PCP? Any certain things you would try (other than RICE) before making an appointment?

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I'd likely wait 135 3/4 days, but that's just me. 😉. Only kidding. Since we can't give medical advice, if you are in pain, you know what to do. Now do it!

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Good point, enuf_already. I think I will be going in, but I'm always wanting to avoid my dr if/when possible. I think that's a sign of needing a new dr. haha. I appreciate your input.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

From one who was in big sport:

NEVER, EVER try to access yourself. Period.

Physical assessment has it's limits, one being that a person cannot feel adequately on his/her own body. You can feel things like broken bone or a lump at least 10 mm across, which is pretty big actually, but finer stuff like muscle assymmetry or patella "floating" need another person's hands.

If you can bear your own weight without severe pain (counting that pain 10/10 is when your leg is being cut off without anything) , there is no bone sticking out, your leg is not bent where it is not supposed to be, there is no large and growing bruise and/or bright red blood running out and your leg is not unusually numb and /or pale, wait for a few days with RICE. If any of above happens, go to ER now.

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Thanks for your feedback, KatieMI. I have always felt like I cannot appropriately assess myself; leaving my other patella out of place for 6 months before seeking care is a perfect example. I think I will make an appointment tomorrow and cancel it Monday if it gets better over the weekend. I appreciate your advice.

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I will say this though. If something is wrong with your knee and you don't get it checked out, you are just doing more long term damage. Be safe, get it checked out.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Meh - it's all contextual. I'd consider it odd if my joints didn't produce a cacophony of pops & squeeks.... and getting up from off the ground??? That'd take a crane. :grumpy:

Srsly, asking for or giving medical advice is contrary to AN's TOS.

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Thanks all. I somehow didn't even think of it as something as a big no no to post this question, but it makes complete sense to me now that it is a request for medical advice, which cannot be done. This closes this discussion thread. Thanks.

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