Suspected MCL sprain -- Rehab?

[Franz Klammer]

After 1600+ posts I finally get to post in this hidden corner of the TGR universe ...

My girlfriend and I went skiing to Jay this weekend and she finally got the hang of carving turns. However, while practicing her new-found skills she slipped on a sheet of ice and fell. Her left ski came off, but the right ski stayed on and she twisted her knee.

She was in big pain, but was able to ski to the base where we immediately iced the knee. Here are her symptoms:

1) pain on contact on the inside of her right knee (I think that's the MCL)
2) pain when moving the knee side to side, especially when tilting it inward
3) lightly swollen knee
4) NO pain when flexing the knee (she can fully flex it), but difficulty doing so
5) trouble walking (she walks in a funny way with a limp)

I also had a doctor friend (but he does internal medicine) look at it and he said it was the MCL. However, I am also insisting on her seeing a knee specialist (she has to go in New Jersey though because of her health insurance).

Other than rest and icing, is there anything else she is supposed to do?

[montanaskier]

nope....just go see a Doc. Tell her special attention to her bf will help it!

[Vinman]

R.I.C.E. to get the swelling down so the doc can get a good exam.