Swelling in your knee is typically caused by a sports injury or accidental trauma. Your knee turns red and feels warm as it fills with fluid. The fluid accumulation causes stiffness that leads to a loss of range-of-motion. Swollen knees have a negative effect on mobility as you are forced to compensate with the rest of your body. Swollen knees that go untreated can result in muscle weakening because of decreased movement of the knee and leg.
Step 1
Lie or sit down to take weight off your knee. If you have to move around, have a friend help, or use crutches. Placing weight on the joint by using the injured leg can exacerbate the swelling.
Step 2
Elevate your knee by propping it on a pillow so that it is higher than your heart. This will help your system flush the fluid from your knee.
Step 3
Ice your knee with a cold pack immediately. Apply the cold pack for 20 minutes at a time, three or more times per day. The cold temperature will help reduce swelling and ease your pain.
Step 4
Wrap your knee with an elastic bandage. This will provide compression to promote fluid drainage and further decrease swelling. Do not wrap too tightly as this can cause additional swelling below your knee.
Step 5
Take an over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine like aspirin or ibuprofen to further decrease swelling and pain. Take medicines as directed by the label or your physician.
Step 6
Support your knee with a knee brace when you get back on it. Limit your knee movement initially until you are sure all the swelling and pain is gone.
Tips and Warnings
- See you physician if swelling does not decrease within 72 hours of onset, or if you develop increased pain or tenderness. Cold packs can consist of ice in a plastic bag, refrigerated gel packs, or single-use cold packs often found in first aid kits. Have a friend help you adjust your crutches so that they are comfortable to use. Ill-fitted crutches can cause soreness and other orthopedic problems.
- Avoid heat because it will increase blood flow to the area and promote swelling. Always place a towel between the ice and your skin, as placing ice directly on your skin for an extended period to time can result in frostbite.
Things You'll Need
- Pillow
- Cold pack
- Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine
- Elastic bandage
- Knee brace
References
- Sarah Baker Briley, PT; Regional Rehabilitation Center; Greenville, NC
- "Concepts of Athletic Training"; Second Edition; Ronald P. Pfeiffer and Brent C. Mangus; 1998
