5 Common Causes of Swollen Knee and Effective Home Treatment

The knee is the body's largest and most complex joint, making it one of the most problematic. While knee strengthening exercises can help keep the joint healthy, a swollen knee requires a more serious diagnosis. Acute injuries and chronic conditions can cause knee swelling, but the cause may not be obvious.

Injury Knee Symptoms

Knee swelling is caused by fluid buildup. Swollen knees indicate an injury, but there may be other symptoms, such as:

• Knee pain

• Tenderness

• Limited mobility

• Weightlessness on the injured knee

• Radiating leg pain

Common Knee Swelling Causes

Following are the common causes of knee swelling: 

Trauma

A person can usually determine what caused the knee to swell after being struck in an accident or falling. However, you should see a knee pain doctor in plano to find out if the swelling is due to a broken bone, a torn tendon, bursitis, or a torn meniscus. They all need different care.

Overuse

Bursa are sacs filled with fluid that are found between bones, muscles, and tendons. They protect the joint and, along with cartilage, make movement painless. On the other hand, if someone does the same motions over and over for a long time, the bursa may get irritated and swell. This will also make the knee feel hot when you touch it.

Resting and icing the knee are the best ways to treat it. If you like to run, get a new pair of running shoes that fit better. You may need anti-inflammatory drugs and a knee brace if the condition is worse. Above all, though, take a break from moving the same way over and over. You should see a doctor to find out if you need more treatment.

Overweight 

People who are overweight or obese often have knee pain. This is because four pounds of weight put four pounds of stress on the knees. It also raises the risk of getting osteoarthritis, which can cause swollen knee, as well as the chance of getting inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

When your immune system attacks joint tissues, you get rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain, tiredness, and fever are common signs. Rheumatoid arthritis risk goes up if you smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of it. Even though there is no cure, your doctor may suggest exercises to keep your knees flexible.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia makes it hard for blood to clot, which can lead to internal bleeding. Joint damage is one of the main side effects. This is because the knee has blood vessels that bleed. Hemophilia is usually shown by blood in the urine or stools, nosebleeds, small cuts that bleed a lot, and deep bruises that you can't explain.

When to Consult a Doctor

Below are guidelines to help people decide if knee swelling needs medical attention. A phone call to a doctor or nurse can help decide if professional medical treatment is needed.

A doctor should be contacted if:

• A severely swollen or abnormal knee

• The knee cannot fully straighten or bend.

• The knee is very painful (over-the-counter painkillers don't work).

• The knee cannot bear weight or feels like it will "give out."

• The knee skin heats or reddens.

• A fever of 100.4°F or higher

• Three days or more of knee swelling

After examining the knee, the doctor will ask questions. The physical exam and patient interview may be enough to diagnose. If more information is needed, the pain management in plano may recommend an x-ray or knee aspiration in the office. This page describes aspiration at the bottom.

Home Treatment for Swollen Knee

Many mild to moderately swollen knees can be treated at home. R.I.C.E. and medication are typical home care. To maximize benefit and avoid mistakes, read these treatments' descriptions below.

The R.I.C.E. Formula:  

Rest

Rest allows joint repair and recovery. Remove yourself from sports and other activities for 24 hours. People with knee swelling should gently flex and straighten the knee several times a day to maintain range of motion.

Icing 

Easy, effective knee swelling treatment is icing. Cold therapy relieves symptoms by:

• Constricting nearby blood vessels, reducing blood flow and inflammation.

• Slowing knee joint fluid production (synovial joint fluid is helpful but can cause knee swelling and discomfort)

• Distracting the brain from pain signals

Compression 

Cold compress the knee for 20 minutes max. Multiple times a day is possible. Compression involves bandaging the joint with an Ace bandage. Compression may reduce swelling. Most recommend a 3- to 4-inch bandage. (A narrower bandage may cut off circulation.) If tight, loosen or re-wrap the bandage. Wrapping the swollen knee too tightly may increase swelling, numbness, tingling, pain, coolness, and swelling. Remember that a compression bandage will not support or protect the knee.

Elevation

Elevating the leg reduces blood flow to the knee, reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. Elevate the affected leg above the heart. Lay down with your knee and calf on pillows. Since the knee is below the heart, sitting with the leg elevated on a stool or ottoman is less effective. Chronic knee swelling sufferers may benefit from a leg elevation pillow. Foam pillows are designed to provide firm, comfortable support.

The R.I.C.E. formula reduces swelling in 1–3 days. If swelling and pain worsen after a few days of R.I.C.E., see a doctor.

Conclusion

When accompanied by pain or stiffness, a swollen knee is annoying. But don't ignore symptoms. If a swollen knee persists after a few days without trauma or injury, see a doctor. They will explain the swelling, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.