Need to end this pain

Hello,

I hurt my knee playing basketball over a year and a half ago. My knee popped out of joint and it was very painful. I went to the doctor, and he said that I didn't tear any ligaments, and can go ahead and walk on it after a couple weeks. So I started limping iwth it, expecting it to heal soon.

Now, I still have pain when I run, dance, or do anything strenuous with my knee. I am tired of it, and want my knee to get back to normal. Or am I cursed to have a lifetime of a sore knee? I am 30 years old, and don't ahve a consistent doctor. I'd also like to not have to pay too much for a diagnosis of what I "already know".

Does anyone know if it's because I didn't rehab it properly, and if I do so now, it will return to normal? Or is it possible I did serious damage to my knee and the original doctor was wrong? I ahve no pain in my knee when walking or doing normal activities, and it doesn't seem loose or anything.

thanks in advance for any advice.