Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello, I fell down about 7 wood stairs 3 days ago and landed on my right knee. Immediately a bruise appeared towards the inside of my knee along with some swelling. I have been putting ice on and off in 20 minute increments, keeping it elevated as much as I can at work and taking anti-inflammatories but the swelling has gotten worse and I am in a good deal of pain. Should I wait it out another day to see if it gets better on its own, is there something else I should be doing or should I just go to a doctor?
[|AI|]  Hi. Welcome to Chat Doctor . I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns. As per your complaint as you have fallen from stairs leading to landing on the right knee and in case if you are able to put weight over your leg while walking then one thing is clear that there does not seem to be bony fracture and is most probably soft tissue injury. The swelling can be due to accumulation of inflammatory fluid at the injury site due to soft tissue inflammation secondary to injury. Other causes of severe pain and discomfort can be due to injury to Anterior Cruciate ligament [ACL injury] or Meniscus tear. I would suggest you to consult an Orthopedic and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and x-ray as well as MRI can help in diagnosis and treatment can be planned accordingly. In case soft tissue injury without any tear of meniscus or ligaments you can be advised to continue taking anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, continue icing and elevation and limit movement. In case if there is meniscus or ligament tear you can be advised to apply an analgesic ointment and brace it with a knee cap or crape bandage. In case of fractures or extensive wear and tear immobilization by placing a cast can help. Hope this information helps. Thanks and regards. Chat Doctor.