During this year I have fallen down stairs...twice. The first time was in late February. While falling I felt a large pop in my knee and it immediately became swollen. There was great pain and I could not bend or straighten my knee. Nor could I walk on it without a limp. Once the swelling went down my knee could bend (not without pain) but the worst of the pain had subsided. When it would bend or straighten it made these awful noises like a tire grinding on gravel. And it would constantly click and crack while walking. I didn't do anything about it because I am uninsured and can't afford a MRI or Xray. The second time I fell was on May 1st. I was walking down a staircase when my knee locked up on me (which has happened before but has never made me fall) and then completely gave out on me while taking a step down. I slid to the bottom of the stairs. I heard several pops and my knee has swollen up (and SEVERELY bruised) the swelling has made its way up to mid thigh all the way down to my ankle/foot. It hurts in the ankle area but it is only sore. My knee cap appears to be side ways and when I do try to walk on it clicks worse than before and still grinds (but now much louder and noticeable to others). It also feels as though my knee will give to both sides (no stability). It is also very, very sensitive to touch (especially on the patella area). I've been using crutches and bought a knee brace to wear till I can figure out what to do. I am still uninsured and was just curious if anyone could tell me what might be wrong and what I should do. Thanks so much!