How to Reduce Swelling In Knee Quickly?
Need fast relief from knee swelling? Discover quick and effective methods to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and start feeling better.
Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Main Article
Swelling in the knee can be uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes even limit your movement. Whether it's due to an injury, arthritis, or overuse, reducing swelling quickly can help you feel better and get back to your daily activities. In this article, we’ll explore simple and effective ways to reduce knee swelling at home, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent it in the future.
Understanding Knee Swelling
Knee swelling, also known as "water on the knee" or knee effusion, happens when excess fluid builds up in or around the knee joint. This can be caused by:
Injuries (sprains, strains, ligament tears, or fractures)
Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout)
Overuse (from excessive exercise or standing for long hours)
Infections (septic arthritis)
Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the knee)
Swelling can make your knee feel stiff, painful, and difficult to bend. If left untreated, it may lead to long-term joint damage.
Quick Ways to Reduce Knee Swelling
Here are some simple and effective home remedies to reduce knee swelling quickly:
R.I.C.E. Method: Rest the knee, apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours, use compression with a bandage or brace, and elevate the leg above heart level.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce swelling and pain; follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor if needed.
Gentle Exercises & Stretching: Once swelling decreases, try straight leg raises, seated knee extensions, and ankle pumps to improve blood flow and prevent stiffness; avoid high-impact activities initially.
Epsom Salt Soak: Soaking the knee in warm water with Epsom salt may help reduce inflammation and relax muscles.
Turmeric or Ginger Tea: These have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease knee swelling.
Stay Hydrated & Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Drink plenty of water and include foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish in your diet.
Consult Top Physician For Effective Treatment
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor for knee swelling if you experience: severe pain or inability to bear weight, redness, warmth, or fever (signs of infection), swelling that doesn’t improve in 2-3 days, or a popping sound at the time of injury.
A doctor may recommend: draining excess fluid (aspiration), physical therapy, medications (steroids or antibiotics if infection is present), or imaging tests (X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound).
Preventing Future Knee Swelling
To keep your knees healthy and prevent swelling:
Maintain a healthy weight (extra weight puts pressure on knees)
Wear proper footwear (especially if you stand or walk a lot)
Strengthen leg muscles (with exercises like squats and lunges)
Warm up before exercise to avoid injuries
Avoid sudden high-impact activities if you’re not used to them
Need Expert Help?
If knee swelling persists or worsens, don’t ignore it. You can consult a specialist on Apollo 24|7 for personalized advice or book a knee examination to get the right treatment.
Conclusion
Knee swelling can be managed effectively with simple home remedies, but persistent pain or swelling needs medical attention. By following preventive measures, staying active, and maintaining a healthy diet, you can keep your knees strong and painfree. Need help? Book a consultation with an orthopedic specialist on Apollo 24|7 today!
Consult Top Physician
Consult Top Physician For Effective Treatment
Dr. Anand Misra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS, DNB
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Kumudha Ravi Munirathnam
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
18 Years • MBBS, DNB (Int Med.), PGD (Diabetology), MNAMS
Chennai
Apollo Speciality Hospitals OMR, Chennai
(175+ Patients)
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Sunil S Bohra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
23 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), FIAE
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
Consult Top Physician
Dr. Anand Misra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
14 Years • MBBS, DNB
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Kumudha Ravi Munirathnam
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
18 Years • MBBS, DNB (Int Med.), PGD (Diabetology), MNAMS
Chennai
Apollo Speciality Hospitals OMR, Chennai
(175+ Patients)
Dr. Aakash Garg
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DrNB (Gastroentrology).
Bilaspur
Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur
(150+ Patients)
Dr. Sunil S Bohra
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
23 Years • MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), FIAE
Bengaluru
Apollo Hospitals Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Lakshmi Sanjitha Kakani
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Visakhapatnam
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam
