The University of Minnesota Sports Medicine Institute states that knee swelling is categorized as either intra-articular knee effusion, which is swelling inside the knee joint, or localized swelling around the knee joint. Determining the cause of your knee swelling is essential in getting the proper treatment and rehabilitation. Arthritis, bursitis and inflammation of the soft tissue around your knee can all cause knee swelling. Treatment consists of ice, anti-inflammatory medications and exercises to help reduce swelling and regain knee function. Consult your physician for severe or persistent swelling and pain.
Causes and Diagnosis
If the swelling is due to an acute trauma like a fall, injuries may include a muscle or tendon strain, ligament sprain, meniscus tear, a bruise or contusion and kneecap or patella dislocation. Other possible causes of knee swelling are an infection such as Lyme disease, tumor, arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. Getting your knee examined by an orthopedist, along with having x-rays and a MRI scan, will help diagnose the cause of your knee swelling.
R.I.C.E
R.I.C.E is an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation, and is the initial treatment for knee swelling. Rest to prevent further irritation to your knee joint. Ice causes vasoconstriction, which reduces inflammation, and the cold feeling of ice alleviates pain. Ice for 20 minutes two to three times a day. Compression with an elastic wrap and elevating your leg above your heart can further decrease swelling. According the Chester Knee Clinic and Meniscus Repair Centre, a cryocuff, which is the combination of cold and compression, can be used to efficiently reduce knee swelling as well.
Aspiration and Medication
According to a 2002 article in the journal "American Family Physician," a physician can remove significant knee effusion, or fluid, through aspiration, or using a syringe. The benefits of aspiration are immediate pain relief and improved joint flexibility. The removed fluid can also be tested to help determine a cause. Common complications of aspiration include infection, increased pain and the re-accumulation of fluid. After aspiration, a corticosteroid medication can then be injected to help decrease inflammation and prevent further swelling. Oral medications include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. Consult your physician about which medication is most appropriate for you.
Exercises
Once your swelling has reduced, you may begin light exercises to regain knee flexibility and strength. Stretches should target your hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles. For example, the standing hamstring stretch is performed with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly bend toward the floor at your waist while keeping your chest pushed out. You should feel a stretch on the back of your legs. Hold stretches for 30 seconds and repeat several times a day. Exercises include knee curls, leg extensions, single-leg balance, and functional exercises like squats. Bike, swim and aqua jog for cardiovascular exercise. Perform exercises and cardio two to five days a week. As knee swelling resolves, you may progress back to normal activities.
References
- University of Michigan Health Systems; Knee Pain and Swelling; Robert Kiningham, M.D., et al.; August 2002
- "American Family Physician"; Acute Knee Effusions; Michael W. Johnson, M.A.J.; April 2000
- "American Family Physician"; Knee Joint Aspiration and Injection; Thomas J. Zuber, M.D.; October 2002
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis of the Knee
- Chester Knee Clinic and Cartilage Repair Centre: Rehabilitation
- University of Minnesota Sports Medicine Institute: Knee Swelling
