Doctors Or Hospital? ( Knee Problem) Need Help Asap Please.

[Grandpaw]

A few weeks ago i took a tumble and grazed my knee. The graze scabbed and has now left a scar but the problem is that now there appears to be a build up of fluid above the knee which feels like water under the skin which i suspect is pus. I'm in virtually no pain but am obviously worried at what may develop. So do i go to the doctors and hope a quick bout of antibiotics clear the infection out before it takes hold or do i go straight to hospital for a cut and drain? This actually worries me and i don't like to bother our underpaid and overworked medical staff but the thought of losing mobility or possibly my leg is at the forefront of my thoughts.
Can anyone tell me what is wrong with my leg and what should be the course of action of the two examples i've typed or is there another option i've overlooked?

[Grandpaw]

Thanks in advance as i'm off to bed so will read the answer in the morning if i can get any sleep through worrying.

[anneasquith]

im sorry grandpaw, but no one could tell you what is wrong with your leg, see gp,

[boxtops]

Yes, you go to the doctor. It may not be infection, it could be anything. Go and see your GP, it's what they are there for - or your local Minor Injuries Unit can treat you and keep your GP informed. Don't suffer in silence, you could be making it worse.

[woofgang]

If your knee isn't hot or sore, it's unlikely to be pus and more likely to be fluid. Do you feel well in yourself? Can you get to your doc or a walk in today?

[askyourgran]

If it isn't painful Grandpaw go to see your Doctor he will know what to do about it.

[Peter Pedant]

You should go an see your GP

From what you say - it cant be pus - you dont have a temp, it aint painful and you can stand on it

blood or water on the knee

see your GP

The very fact that you have gone to bed to sleep on it means you dont / can't have a septic arthritis -

see your GP

[Zubar]

I fell over quite a few years ago one afternoon, banged my knee & ended up with fluid on the knee! I went to bed the evening after I had banged my knee & when I woke up the following morning couldn't bend the knee that I had banged. I went to casualty & at first they were going to drain the fluid off the knee, but eventually decided to try a course of 'heat treatment' on my knee. I went to the hospital about 3-4 times, lay on a bed for a half an hour while a heat lamp was directed on my raised knee-they put a cushion under my knee. My knee was soon back to normal & I have had no problems with my knee since. I would agree with the others that your first course of action should be to make an appointment with your GP, and they will be able to properly diagnose & recommend a course of treatment for your injured knee. Peace & Love.

[boxtops]

I can't understand why you say it worries you, but you don't want to bother the doctor. That's what family doctors are for - they'd rather see you now than in a few weeks' time when it's got really bad and harder to treat.

[laginge9]

Well I would go to the hospital just to be on the safe side

[Sqad]

Suprapatellar bursitis (Housemaid's knee)

No big deal.

See your GP....not urgent.

[woofgang]

how are you today Grandpaw?

[Grandpaw]

Thank you to all concerned and for your advice. In the end i didn't go to the gp and the swelling went down but there is still a little bubble there and pain when i bend my knee but i'm hoping it's on it's way out.