I spent the entire day crawling on jagged rocks and, now, my knees are super sore and red and, I think, they're gonna bruise. I know you put a steak on a black eye, but is that just for swelling? If I put popsicles on my knees will they not bruise as badly as they would otherwise? I know this sounds weird, but I'm being totally serious. Thanks.

Just put something cold on it. Bag of frozen peas?
I think people put steak on their eye cause it is cold.

the cold works for initial swelling

__________________
the cave mouth shines
by pure force of will
i look down on the world
from the top of this lonesome hill
and you can run, and run some more
from here all the way to singapore
but i will carry you home in my teeth
-mountain goats

Arnica.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnica