Swollen Knee – Causes and Care



Many call it as ‘water on the knee’, or, a ‘knee joint effusion’– a swollen knee is a very common problem that can affect anybody, especially if you are above 40 years of age or, in cases of accidental injuries. A swollen knee feels like a sponge and is caused by excessive fluid accumulation around your knee joints. If a swollen knee doesn’t go away with the RICE therapy, it’s highly recommended that you visit an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the earliest.
Causes
Your knee is covered by a joint capsule that is nourished and lubricated by synovial fluid. When your knees get injured, there is excess fluid build-up in this capsule, which causes your knees to swell. Your knee can either swell up immediately after an injury, or, the process of swelling can proceed gradually.
Reasons of rapid swelling after an injury:
  • Ligament Tear – In this case, quite usually, your Anterior Cruciate Ligament (or, ACL) ruptures. Along with swelling, you will also experience pain and loss of range of motion.
  • Meniscus Tear – Caused due to a tear in the lining of the outer rim of the knee cartilage. The swelling is usually accompanied with locking and stiffness.
  • Bone Fracture – It happens when one of your bones, such as the patella, gets fractured, commonly as a result of an accident. Such cases will require immediate medical attention from an Orthopaedic Specialist.
Reasons of gradual swelling after an injury:
  • Knee Sprain – When one of your knee ligaments becomes over stretched due to over usage.
  • Damaged Cartilage – Gradual wearing off outer layer of cartilage.
The swelling may heal on its own within 6-12 weeks. However, in cases of cartilage injuries, the healing time may be longer or, you may be required to take the help of an Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Other Reasons:
You may also experience a swollen knee in case of Arthritis, an infection or, an inflammation in your joints, bursitis, haematoma, patellar tendonitis, and knee cap dislocation or, when you have high levels of uric acid leading to crystal formation, or gout.
Care
Treatment for your swollen knee will depend upon the cause and it’s always wiser to seek the help of your Orthopaedic Doctor who will prescribe you the right course of action so as to avoid any future complications. However, before approaching your Orthopaedic Specialist, here are some immediate steps (RICE therapy) to follow:
  • Rest – You should immediately stop your current levels of activity so that your injured area receives minimal pressure. Excessive wear and tear can further complicate your condition.
  • Ice – Apply ice wraps on the swelling area to help slow down the movement of blood flow. This helps to reduce swelling and pain. Apply ice several times a day for at least 20 minutes per session.
  • Compression – This can help in reduction of swelling in a great way. You can use a knee brace or a wrap to keep the mechanics of your knee aligned and intact.
  • Elevation – You must keep your legs elevated so as to slow down the rate of flow of fluids flowing under gravity. Use a soft pillow under your knee to elevate your legs.
Medications – Your Orthopaedic Doctor may also prescribe you certain medications such as Ibuprofen which will help in reducing pain. Corticosteroid injections may also be prescribed for suppressing the immune system, which helps in reduction of inflammation and pain.
In serious conditions, or in cases of extensive cartilage or ACL damage, your Orthopaedic doctor may suggest you for an arthroscopy or a surgical treatment plan for your knee to recover faster and healthier.





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