I hurt my knee playing basketball and it is swollen. ?

Knee injury: Ice 20 min on, 20 min off...repeat. Rest. Prop knee on pillow so knee bends 20-30 degrees. May need ortho check if worsens

Rest, Ice, Compre...: Simple therapy is to rest by putting only as much weight as you can tolerate on that leg, using crutches if needed. You can also use ice/cold packs on the affected area for 15 minutes at a time. Some benefit from using an elastic bandage. Last, be sure to elevate the knee above the level of you heart when possible. If not allergic, use tylenol (acetaminophen) or motrin as directed. Call your doctor if not better.

Exam: I suggest an ER or UC visit, exam, xrays and Rx. Use local ice and start on Aleve (naproxen) or Advil if you are not allergic to these meds.

Injury: If the swelling is massive, be seen in the ER for xray and a knee splint. if the swelling is mild you can just let it rest for 2 weeks and see how it heals. Injuries could be to bone ligaments or cartilege. A physical examination will help to sort it our but when the injury is acute, pain may preclude an adequate examination. If it is not getting better in 2-4 weeks an evaluation by a doctor