I can't walk!

[the3Rs]

So for several months now, my right knee has sounded like it has ball bearings in it whenever I walk upstairs.  It doesn't hurt really, it just sounds very rattly - but only when going UPstairs - not when walking normally or going DOWNstairs.  So, I really didn't think much of it.

Well, this morning I was downstairs working, came upstairs to grab some breakfast and it felt fine going upstairs until the last step.

O. M. G.  PAIN!!!!  I can't put ANY weight on it without nearly crying.  Sitting down it feels OK if I don't move it, but if I move my knee at all it hurts - not as bad - but still hurts.  I've tried walking a few times with a limp, barely putting any pressure on it, and it's  no-go. 

Aah!!  Suggestions for how to ease this pain so I can walk?!

(can't go to the doctor until Jan. 1st.  That's when my insurance kicks in.  They did agree to pay 65% of my COBRA if I needed it, so I *could* sign up for it but I really don't want to spend my 35% if I don't have to).

[Mena929]

do you have a brace you can wear?

[the3Rs]

No :(

Quoting Mena929:

do you have a brace you can wear?

[deccaf]

Ice or heat, whichever works, and get either a cane or crutch to minimize pressure on it until you can see someone about it. 

[the3Rs]

Thanks.  We do have an old crutch - but I have no idea where it is.  Probably above the garage...I'll get DH to get it down when he comes home. 

Going to try ice - if I can make it to the darn refrigerator.

Quoting deccaf:

Ice or heat, whichever works, and get either a cane or crutch to minimize pressure on it until you can see someone about it. 

[dawncs]

Have you thought about using crutches until then? Some pharmacies have them over the counter. They are pretty much easy to adjust to your height.

[deccaf]

Pressure may help, too.  If you don't have a wrap, cut an old t-shirt or bedsheet, anything you can make into strips to wrap. 

Quoting the3Rs:

Thanks.  We do have an old crutch - but I have no idea where it is.  Probably above the garage...I'll get DH to get it down when he comes home. 

Going to try ice - if I can make it to the darn refrigerator.

Quoting deccaf:

Ice or heat, whichever works, and get either a cane or crutch to minimize pressure on it until you can see someone about it. 

 

[the3Rs]

Great idea! I do think pressure will help whatever is rattling around in there. Thanks!

Quoting deccaf:

Pressure may help, too.  If you don't have a wrap, cut an old t-shirt or bedsheet, anything you can make into strips to wrap. 

Quoting the3Rs:

Thanks.  We do have an old crutch - but I have no idea where it is.  Probably above the garage...I'll get DH to get it down when he comes home. 

Going to try ice - if I can make it to the darn refrigerator.

Quoting deccaf:

Ice or heat, whichever works, and get either a cane or crutch to minimize pressure on it until you can see someone about it. 

 

[mickstinator]

yikes! i believe they say rotation of ice and heat is ideal to keep swelling down. do you have anything you can wrap it in?

[trfgirl56701]

Ouch! Hope you can get some relief soon. I agree with Decca about using ice or heat on it.

[cjsmom1]

They have icy hot knee wraps that I recommend trying