knee injury,hurts when kneecap is moves and also when I walk, I got hit in the knee with a baseball5 year ago? About 5 years ago I was playing softball and I was pitching and a man hit the ball, it bounced off the ground and hit me in the kneecap. It swelled up and It was bad for a couple of weeks. I never went to the doctor. I dont have insurance and It started hurting again off and on but now more on than off. I use to be able to put a cheapie knee brace on it to make it tight and it would quit hurting , now that doesnt cut it. I am active but have gained 40 pounds over those years due to bad habits..I am losing weight now, I am tall so 40 pounds is not as bad if I was 5'1 I am 5'9, and I am excersising and this knee problem is really bugging me. I know I need exrays and probbably physical thereapy but... In the meantime. What can I do to make it feel better untill I can see the doc??? Help me! Thanks Andrea

Summarized question: What to do if have trouble walking due to a knee injury?