text: how do you take care of an injured knee? ice or heat? i was on top of a five foot ladder when it tipped over and i feel on top of it. i landed my knees and elbows on top of the ladder. this happened two days ago and some bruises are just now appearing. i'm sore all over and i can't put any weight on my right knee because it feels like it will give out from under me. how should i take care of this?   thank you  dee oh owie! that sounds awful!   if it's been two days, and you've seen no improvement, you probably need to have it looked at.  i've suffered multiple knee injuries & surgries, and my doc always tells me to alternate ice and heat every 15-20 minutes for an hour, then take a break. (say an hour or so...) also, you need to be taking an anti inflammatory, such as ibuprofin (advil).  i hope you feel better!