Knee Swelling
Swelling in the knees make them feel stiff or tight or restrict the person to make the knees completely straight or bend. Swelling caused due to minor setback generally develops gradually.
The swelling can be caused in the knees because of various reasons. It is mainly because of lack of blood inside the joint. Swelling also occurs due to injury in addition to blood inside the joint (anterior cruciate ligament tear).
Swelling is the most usual signs connected to the knee and it should be determined if it does not reduce within 48 hours or the patient is suffering from extreme pain, then one can take certain medications to stop the swelling.
If one is suffering from intolerable pain or the swelling appears and is not even reducing while taking over-the-counter medication, then one can take immediate medical treatment or consult the doctor.
Swelling can become more severe when one is suffering with:-
- Symptoms of damaged flow of blood
- Pain, red streaks, drainage of pus, increase in warmth and redness and fever
- Severe bruising or swelling within 30 minutes of an injury
Causes of Knee Swelling
There are various causes of knee swelling and they include:-
- Overuse
- Infection
- Injury
- Inflammatory conditions like bursitis or arthritis
- Building up of fluid from infection, blood or joint fluid
- Repeated movement
Other causes of knee swelling involve cruciate ligament tear, meniscal tear, tendonitis and collateral ligament tear. Alleviating of the cartilage below the kneecap known as chondromalacia patella can also be the cause of swelling when the person sits or kneels while bending the knee.
Trauma can also be the other cause of swelling to be generated in the knee. De-conditioning of the quadriceps muscles can also cause swelling within the knee. This can take place with no or with the changes in the arthritic ailment.
Pseudogout and gout are also other triggers of knee swelling. Both these conditions are generated by crystalline accumulations within the knee which produces irritation in the tissues and causes swelling. Joint effusions are also one of the causes of knee swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, bleeding problems and benign synovial tumors of the knee are other causes of swelling in the knees.
Treatment of Knee Swelling
One can take certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for mild swelling. Physical therapy can also be performed to reduce the swelling and to improve the strength and flexibility of the knees.
One can also keep crushed ice for 20 minutes on the knees which will help in reducing swelling from the knees. One can also take home treatment for knee swelling.
Knee Care
