Knee Swelling Causes & Care
Discover the common causes of knee swelling, including injuries, overuse, and underlying health conditions. Learn effective care strategies and treatments to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Introduction
Our knee is a complex joint that connects your thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia). It's a hinge joint, allowing you to bend, straighten, and rotate your leg.
Inside the knee joint, you'll find:
Cartilage: A smooth, slippery tissue that cushions the ends of your bones.
Ligaments: Firm bands of tissue that connect bones and provide stability.
Meniscus: C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.
Tendon: Tough, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones.
Knee swelling occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around the knee joint. Numerous factors, including infections, inflammatory diseases like arthritis, or accidents like sprains or fractures, can cause knee swelling.
Common causes of knee swelling
Knee swelling can be a result of multiple factors, from everyday injuries to underlying health conditions. Let's explore the common causes.
1. Injuries
One of the primary causes of this swelling is injury. The following are types of injury that may occur due to physical trauma:
1. Sprains-A sprain occurs when the ligaments are overextended or torn.
Common causes include:
Awkward movements
Falls or collisions
Sudden twists or excessive force
2. Strains -A strain involves the muscles or tendons being stretched or torn.
Common causes include:
Overexertion during physical activities
Abrupt movements or lifting of heavy objects
3. Tears-Tears often refer to damage in the cartilage, such as a torn meniscus, which is a common injury in athletes.
Common causes include:
Twisting motions while the foot is planted
Sudden changes in direction
2. Arthritis
Knee swelling is a common symptom of arthritis, which can be caused by two main types:
Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear on cartilage leads to pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and swelling in the joints.
3. Infections
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection, often affecting the knee, causing significant pain and swelling. It occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms infiltrate the joint space and cause inflammation. Prompt medical attention is required for effective treatment.
Symptoms include
Sudden
Severe pain
Redness and warmth
Limited range of motion
Fever is also common.
4. Some Less Common Causes
Some of the less common causes include the following:
Bursitis- Knee bursitis is characterised by the inflammation of one or more bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. It may be caused by
Repetitive movements or pressure on the knee for a prolonged period of time
Direct trauma to the knee
In rare cases, bursitis can result from an infection in the bursa.
Gout- Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the accumulation of urate crystals in the joints, particularly the knee. This buildup occurs due to elevated uric acid levels in the body, leading to sudden, severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Tumors- Knee swelling may even be associated with tumours. Understanding the differences between benign and malignant tumours is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other body parts. However, due to their size or location, they can still cause serious issues. Common types include osteochondromas, giant cell tumours, and aneurysmal bone cysts. Symptoms may include an obvious swelling or lump, pain that increases with activity, and a limited range of motion in the knee.
Malignant tumours are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to other body parts. Common malignant tumours affecting the knee include osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma. Symptoms may include persistent swelling, severe pain that worsens at night or with rest and potential systemic symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosing Knee Swelling
1. Physical Examination and History
A thorough history and physical examination are crucial for diagnosing knee swelling. Key components include:
Patient history- onset, duration, mechanism of injury, prior knee issues, medications, and systemic symptoms.
Physical examination includes range of motion evaluation, observation for swelling and deformities, palpation for tenderness, crepitus, and effusion.
Special tests such as McMurray's, Lachman's, and anterior drawer tests may be performed to assess ligamentous integrity
2. Imaging Tests
Here are some common imaging tests used to diagnose knee swelling:
X-rays: Identify bone fractures, arthritis, and other bone abnormalities.
MRI: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of tendons, ligaments, and fluid buildup.
Home Care and Management
While it's important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, there are some basic steps you can take at home to manage the swelling and discomfort.
The RICE method is highly effective in relieving pain.
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your knee.
Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times daily.
Compression: Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Keep your leg elevated above your heart whenever possible
Over-the-counter medications such as:
Pain relievers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Acetaminophen: can help manage pain without reducing inflammation.
These measures are for temporary relief. If your knee swelling persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Severe or persistent swelling may indicate an underlying condition that requires more urgent medical attention. It's crucial to seek medical attention if you encounter any of the following symptoms:
Can't bear weight on your knee or feel as if your knee is unstable or gives out
Persistent severe swelling: Swelling that lasts for more than a few days and substantially restricts movement or causes significant pain.
Redness, warmth, or tenderness: These symptoms can indicate inflammation or infection.
Deformity: Significant alteration of the contour of the knee joint.
Locking or catching: Difficulty straightening or bending the knee.
Fever: A high temperature may suggest a systemic infection.
Medical Treatments for Knee Swelling
1. Prescription Medications
When it comes to managing knee swelling, prescription medications can play a crucial role, especially when over-the-counter options are insufficient. Here's a brief introduction to some common prescription medications used for this purpose:
Corticosteroids: Medications like cortisone and prednisone are prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Stronger doses of NSAIDs, such as naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen, may be prescribed to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Hydrocortisone Injections: This type of corticosteroid injection can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation directly in the knee joint.
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis that cause knee swelling, DMARDs may be prescribed to help manage the underlying disease.
2. Surgical Interventions
Some of the surgical interventions includes:
Arthrocentesis: This procedure involves removing excess fluid from the knee joint to relieve pressure.
Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery used to diagnose and treat knee issues, such as torn ligaments or meniscus.
Knee Replacement: In severe cases, replacing the damaged knee joint may be necessary to restore mobility.
Lifestyle Changes and Prevention
Your knees are complex joints that bear significant weight and endure daily stress. While some knee issues are unavoidable, many can be prevented with proactive lifestyle choices. Here are two key areas to focus on:
1. Regular Exercise and Weight Management
Strengthening Exercises: Include exercises targeting your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. These muscles support your knees and improve stability.
Flexibility: Incorporate stretching exercises to enhance your range of motion and prevent stiffness.
Weight Management: Excess weight puts extra stress on your knees. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
2. Protective Equipment and Precautions
Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with good support and cushioning, especially for high-impact activities.
Knee Braces: Consider using knee braces during activities that put extra strain on your knees.
Warm-up and Cool-down: Always warm up your muscles before exercising and cool down afterwards to prevent injury.
Conclusion
Knee swelling is a common symptom of various conditions, including infections, inflammatory diseases, and accidents. Common causes include injuries, strains, tears, arthritis, bursitis, gout, and tumours. Physical examinations, imaging tests, and special tests are essential for diagnosing and treating knee swelling.
Regular exercise and weight management can also help prevent knee swelling. Early diagnosis of knee swelling is crucial for identifying underlying causes, preventing complications, and improving treatment outcomes, ultimately enhancing the patient's quality of life and mobility.
Consult Top Orthopaedician
Consult Top Orthopaedician
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