ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

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WHAT'S HER RECOVERY TIME?

Q Our daughter fell off during a horse riding lesson. We took her to the local A&E department and they said she had broken two ribs. They sent her home with painkillers but didn't strap her chest, which surprised me. She's still in a lot of pain. Should I take her back, and when can she ride again?

A We used to strap fractured ribs, but we now know that strapping restricts the ability to expand the chest fully, which can mean that phlegm collects on the chest and there is an increased risk of infection. It is important that she is able to breathe normally and cough if she needs to. She can ride again when she is pain-free without medication.

Does he need another referral?

Q My husband saw an orthopaedic surgeon in spring 2024 and was told he needed a knee replacement. He works for himself and really didn't want to take the time off work, but he's in so much pain now that he has decided he will have to have the surgery. The consultant said they would leave an open appointment for a year. Do we need to go back to our GP?