Knee Swelling: Causes, Treatment & Help

Knee swelling can not only be troublesome at work or in everyday life, it can likewise turn out to be very painful. Knee swelling is when fluid builds up in the bursae, which are normally non-existent. Why they occur there, how to treat the swelling and properly prevent it will be explained in the next paragraphs.

What is knee swelling?

Basically, there are two types of knee swelling. A bloody effusion, also called hemarthros, and the purulent effusion, also called pyarthros. A knee swelling is always a joint effusion. The knee is a structure made up of different bones, tendons, cartilage and joint plates, all of which interact with each other. There are two basic types of knee swelling. A bloody effusion, also called hemarthrosis and the purulent effusion, also called pyarthrosis. A bloody joint effusion results from a blunt injury such as hitting something hard or falling on the joint. Hemophilia can also be the cause of a swelling. In most cases, the purulent effusion is accompanied by an infection.

Causes

Extended wear and tear can cause knee swelling. A big factor is joint wear and tear under osteoarthritis. Through years of overexertion, the cartilage layers in the knee joint are worn away, so that the upper, and lower leg bones rub against each other after some time. The body cannot withstand this heavy load. It reacts with a defensive reaction by producing more fibrinous secretion in the joint. This secretion actually promotes healing, but in a joint it forms the basis of the swelling. In older age, overweight and lack of exercise can also play a role. In young and very active people, knee swelling can be caused by internal joint damage such as a torn meniscus or torn ligaments. Likewise, an auto-immune disease may be to blame for the swelling. The so-called rheumatoid arthritis affects the synovial fluid and makes it firmer. Because the fluid is no longer present, the same effect occurs as in osteoarthritis. The bones rub against each other and the knee joint is destroyed by the strong pressure of the bones. A tick bite can also be the cause of knee swelling. During sporting activities in the woods or on outdoor park trails, it is easy to be bitten by a tick. The disease Lyme disease triggered by the bite is very dangerous. The borellia in the saliva of the tick are transferred to the joint during a bite and infect it. As a defensive reaction, the knee joint shows swelling, redness and overheating. Hyperthermia is the first sign of infectious knee swelling.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Obesity
  • Meniscus tear
  • Patellar luxation
  • Anterior cruciate ligament rupture
  • Bursitis
  • Torn ligament
  • Posterior cruciate ligament tear
  • Baker cyst

Diagnosis and course

Since knee swelling is usually a concomitant of other diseases, the diagnostic procedure involves arranging for a joint puncture. Joint fluid is aspirated through a hollow needle and examined for a wide variety of bacteria. In this way, for example, Lyme disease is ruled out. If there is no history of disease and the diet is also healthy, a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and an X-ray are performed. In an MRI, the individual layers of tissue are recorded and X-rayed. The results of these exams can show signs of closure and any injuries.

Complications

Knee swelling is usually the result of various inflammatory conditions, which involve various complications. More commonly, a torn ligament or injury to the meniscus is also the cause of knee swelling. A torn meniscus or ligament can be treated well surgically and also heals again after a few weeks without complications. In some rare cases, infection of the knee joint may occur during surgery. In case of heavy load such as sports or some work, the risk of suffering from another ligament or meniscus injury increases. Another cause is rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory autoimmune disease.This disease is not curable and, if not treated, can lead to cartilage and bone destruction. This also results in deformities of the knee, so that it can no longer be moved without the affected person being plagued by pain. In addition, the risk of developing osteoporosis is increased. Pseudogout (chondrocalcinosis) can also lead to knee swelling. If it occurs acutely, the disease can be cured well with medication and does not provide any further complications. In some cases, however, the disease can become chronic, leading to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis results in severe pain when weight is placed on the knee and leads to progressive wear of the articular cartilage, so that bones may lie on top of each other. The surface of the bone may collapse and debris enters the bone.

When should you see a doctor?

Swelling in the knee can have a variety of causes, so going to the doctor may be highly advisable. In some cases, a visit to the doctor is even unavoidable so that serious complications can be avoided at an early stage. As a rule, swelling of the knee is due to edema. This is an accumulation of fluid, which under certain circumstances can also cause further complications. Usually, edema disappears completely on its own within a few hours. In some cases, however, the accumulation of water remains and triggers pain. In order to recognize permanent consequential damage at an early stage and to have it treated accordingly, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed for too long. In some cases, a fracture can also be responsible for swelling of the knee. If there really is a fracture, it must be treated by a doctor. Otherwise, the bones will grow together incorrectly or not at all. Thus, the following applies: A permanent swelling at the knee must definitely be treated by a general practitioner. A doctor finds the cause and can then initiate appropriate treatment. Only in this way can a complete and rapid recovery be ensured.

Treatment and therapy

Treating knee swelling can be a lengthy process. Already in the diagnostic procedure, the internal pressure of the joint is taken by joint puncture. This is done by aspirating the accumulated fluid in the joint. The pressure caused by the fluid is relieved and the musculoskeletal system can be used again. However, joint punctures that are often applied can increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, it is advisable to elevate the joint and to cool it regularly. In case of knee swelling with causative disease, the existing disease should be treated out, then the symptom of knee swelling will also be reduced. If the pain is severe, medication can be beneficial to stop the pain and make daily life easier. In the case of painkillers, it is important to ensure that the active ingredient is a complex agent that also has an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition to sparing and drug therapy, physiological therapy can also be beneficial. Physiotherapy, gentle massages or electrical treatments can also be used to treat the pain. If all attempts are ineffective or if there is a causative disease that cannot be treated, surgical treatment is performed. In a knee joint endoprosthesis, the natural knee joint is replaced by an artificial one. Surgical treatment is performed for diseases such as arthritis or an irreparable meniscus, or ligament tear.

Outlook and prognosis

To give an exact outlook and prognosis in relation to knee swelling is quite difficult, because first the cause of the swelling that has occurred must be clarified. In most cases, knee swelling is caused by external force or injury. Overstretching of the muscles and ligaments within the knee can cause swelling very quickly. Unless a muscle or ligament is torn, cooling the affected area can be very effective. Even without medical attention, the pain should subside within a few days and range of motion should be fully restored. However, the situation is different if individual ligaments or muscles are torn or completely torn. In this case, treatment and subsequent therapy by a specialist is absolutely necessary. If necessary, surgery may even be required to ensure a complete recovery. The affected person will have to expect severe restrictions for several months.An exact prognosis is not possible at this point, since each clinical picture must be considered individually. Under certain circumstances, an inflammation in the knee can also be responsible for swelling. If this clinical picture remains entirely without treatment, an abscess may possibly form. With appropriate care, such inflammation can be relieved and treated within a few days.

Prevention

To prevent knee swelling, the causative diseases must be prevented. In most cases, a high-fiber, healthy diet shows a positive effect on knee swelling caused by obesity. Sporting activity is also a positive aspect. Nordic walking and other low-impact gait sports help protect the knee joint and cartilage layers from wear and tear. Regular exercise builds muscle strength and renews joint fluid. However, care should be taken to maintain a balance between exercise and rest. Too much exercise or competitive sports damage the joints through continuous stress and increase the risk of injury. A hazard-free type of sport should be practiced, with as little risk of falling, bouncing or other injury as possible. If knee swelling has occurred one, or more times, a longer lasting physiotherapeutic measure is worthwhile, in addition to compensatory walking.

This is what you can do yourself

A swollen knee should be relieved in any case. Only in a relaxed state can a knee regenerate and accept appropriate therapeutic measures. If it is an accident swelling, cool compresses are useful. The cold allows the swollen tissue to subside and also relieves fever and pain. Cold treatment should last at least 20 minutes and be repeated about three to four times a day. Splints and bandages provide relief for the swollen knee caused by the accident. They also prevent further irritation of the knee tissue from excessive movement. Knee swelling can also be treated with herbs. The medicinal plant arnica can be used as an ingredient in a relaxing bath, as an ingredient in a cold poultice, or in ointment form. If the swelling is due to a knee joint or bone disease, such as rheumatism, osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, self-help options are not recommended. In this case, a physician will determine appropriate therapeutic measures. In this case, knee swelling usually improves only after the causes of the underlying disease have been successfully treated. If the knee swelling is accompanied by an injury, the wound should be disinfected immediately to prevent pus swelling. If uncertain, the injured tissue should be examined by a physician. Self-help measures are not advised in this case.