A friend, early 40s, has been to the gym and sprained their knee. They were doing something called 'backward lunges' and the knee got out of line and bent sideways with a cracking noise and she collapsed in agony. Luckily the gym staff were top-notch, did all the right things and got her off to A&E without delay.
At A&E she was seen by a doctor then a surgeon, x-rays were taken which showed no fractures but the joint was too swollen and painful for a diagnosis. Her circulation and nerves are ok however. Eventually they fitted a knee brace, gave her some crutches and packed her off home with pain-killers.
She went back three days later for a MRI scan but they said the swelling prevented it and that there was blood collected round the joint. She was told another appointment would be made and it could be at short notice. We got the impression they weren't a big help.
Six days on and the knee, still swollen and painful, can't be used. Her concern is she will get another appointment and they will again tell her it can't be diagnosed.
Unfortunately she is a couple of months into a new job that involves driving, walking and lifting after having been out of work following redundancy. She wants desperately to get back to work and finds the uncertainty is driving her nuts, never mind the inconvenience. She doesn't know if she should just rest up, take mild exercise or what.
Any suggestions as to what more she can do, like trying her GP, would be much appreciated.