Swollen Knees

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Topic at a Glance

Swollen knees are caused by excess fluid buildup around the knee joint.
It can be caused by injuries, degeneration, or rheumatoid arthritis.
You should see a doctor if you cannot bear weight, experience severe pain, or have a deformity.
Treatment may include rest, medication, joint aspiration, or surgery.

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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

Can excess weight What symptoms can occur along with a swollen knee?cause a swollen knee?

A swollen knee may be accompanied by pain, warmth or redness, stiffness, reduced range of motion, difficulty bearing weight, a locking or catching sensation, or, in severe cases, a visible deformity.

What can increase the risk of developing a swollen knee?

Risk factors include being overweight, participating in sports or activities that involve sudden twisting or pivoting, repetitive weight-bearing activities, and having a history of knee injuries.

How is a swollen knee treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include rest, a knee brace or elastic bandage, anti-inflammatory medications, joint aspiration to remove excess fluid, physical therapy, pain relievers, or surgery for more severe injuries.

Can swollen knees be prevented?

While not all cases are preventable, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the thigh muscles, avoiding overuse, wearing appropriate protective gear during sports, and addressing knee problems early may help reduce your risk.

When should I seek medical care for a swollen knee?

You should seek medical attention if you cannot bear weight on the affected knee, have severe pain after an injury, notice a knee deformity, develop swelling without an obvious cause, or have a history of autoimmune disease or inflammatory arthritis accompanied by knee swelling.

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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!