How do you know if you have broken a bone in the lower leg. I fell about 4 feet from a ladder, landing on my left side. My left knee and lower leg hurt some, but not much. I continued my yard work and as I did the pain and stiffness eased. As the evening as progressed, I have alternated ice and heat, keeping the leg elevated. Heat feels better. It hurt more than it did, but doesn t hurt when I am still. But stairs are a little difficult and squatting to clean a litter box, caused painful muscle spasms. Do I need to see a doctor, or can I just continue with the ice, compression, rest and elevation? R