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Swollen Knees

If you’re suffering from a knee injury, knee pain, or arthritis, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!

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“I am beyond grateful for this practice. My surgery for knee replacement was in July. Since then I’ve had the absolute most respect for the care and concern of this office. Just yesterday I was seen by Amy, nurse practitioner. Her genuine care and concern for my other knee went above and beyond. I would highly recommend for your orthopedic needs.” — Tracy M.

If you’ve noticed one or both of your knees appearing larger than usual, feeling warm, or making it difficult to walk, you may be experiencing swollen knees. In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and ways to prevent knee swelling.

At JIS Orthopedics, with offices in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH, our team of fellowship-trained specialists is dedicated to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and joint problems, including swollen knees. Contact us today to find relief and restore your mobility.

Understanding a Swollen Knee

A swollen knee occurs when excess fluid collects around or within the knee joint. This condition can make the affected knee feel tight, tender, and stiff. Swelling may happen suddenly after traumatic injuries, or gradually from chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or knee degeneration.

While mild swelling can sometimes resolve on its own, severe knee pain or swelling that does not improve should never be ignored. A physical examination and review of your medical history are often necessary to determine the underlying cause..

Symptoms That Occur with Knee Swelling

A swollen knee joint can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Pain and swelling that worsen with activity
  • Knee that feels warm or red to the touch
  • Fluid buildup is causing a visible increase in knee size
  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion
  • Difficulty when trying to bear weight on the affected knee
  • Sensation of the leg completely locking or catching during movement
  • Knee deformity in severe cases or after traumatic injuries

Causes and Risk Factors of Swollen Knees

There are several reasons why a swollen knee develops:

  • Knee injuries such as a meniscus tear, torn ligament (including the anterior cruciate ligament), or patellar tendon damage
  • Broken or dislocated bones involving the thigh bone or shin bone
  • Soft tissue injuries and other associated injuries from accidents or falls
  • Sports injuries and overuse injuries from repetitive weight-bearing activities
  • Wear and tear damage from aging or continuous weight-bearing stress
  • Autoimmune disease and inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis
  • Underlying disease or chronic health condition that causes fluid buildup
  • Excess weight contributes to knee swelling by placing extra strain on the knee joint
 

Risk factors include being overweight, having a history of sports medicine injuries, and engaging in activities that involve sudden twisting or pivoting.

When to See a Doctor About Your Swollen Knee

Seek medical care immediately if:

  • You cannot bear weight on your affected knee
  • You have severe pain following an accident
  • Your knee swelling is accompanied by a knee deformity
  • You have a history of autoimmune disease or inflammatory arthritis
  • The knee recently became swollen without an obvious cause
 

Ignoring these symptoms may worsen the condition and lead to other soft tissue injuries or long-term knee joint swelling.

Treatment for a Swollen Knee

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include:

  • Rest and protection of the knee using an elastic bandage or knee brace
  • Over-the-counter medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and reduce inflammation
  • Joint aspiration (draining excess fluid) when significant excess joint fluid is present
  • Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles and improve stability
  • Pain relievers for long-term pain management
  • Surgical and other procedures in cases of meniscus cartilage damage, torn ligament, or broken bones
  • Addressing underlying diseases such as inflammatory arthritis or knee degeneration
 

In some cases, if repeated fluid buildup continues, your doctor may recommend advanced sports medicine or orthopedic treatments.

Prevention of Swollen Knees

While not all cases are preventable, you can lower your risk of developing swollen knees by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint
  • Strengthening thigh muscles to better support the knee
  • Avoiding overuse injuries by getting sufficient rest between weight-bearing activities
  • Wearing proper protective gear when you play sports
  • Addressing musculoskeletal and joint problems early before they worsen
  • Staying active with low-impact physical therapy exercises to preserve knee function

Take the Next Step Toward Knee Swelling Relief

Living with swollen knees doesn’t have to limit your mobility or quality of life. Our team at JIS Orthopedics specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and joint problems, from minor soft tissue injuries to complex knee injuries.

If you’re experiencing severe knee pain, persistent knee swelling, or difficulty with weight-bearing activities, contact us today in New Albany or St. Clairsville, OH to schedule a consultation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Walla

FAQs About Swollen Knees

Can excess weight cause a swollen knee?

Yes, excess weight can contribute to added stress on the knee, leading to excess fluid and swelling.

Not always. Some swelling can result from injuries that can be treated with ice and elevation. However, persistent pain and swelling or signs of infection should be checked by a specialist.

Joint aspiration is a procedure where joint fluid is removed from the knee to reduce swelling and help diagnose the cause.

Yes, physical therapy exercises can strengthen muscles, reduce stress on the knee, and help alleviate pain.

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-knee/symptoms-causes/syc-20378129
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-knee/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20378134

Treat Your Knee Pain Today

If you’re questioning whether you need a joint replacement, take a look at our blog detailing the five signs you may need one. Schedule an appointment to see if a replacement could be the right option for you. We want to get you back to living without limits!

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