Your knees can swell due to injury, poor diet and even certain medications. If your knees are swollen on a regular basis, it's important to have your physician examine them. Your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis as to what caused the swelling and recommend what you should do to correct the situation. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat, as you could worsen your condition.
Diet
Poor nutrition can cause your knees to swell. Eating large amounts of salt can cause swelling in your knees and other parts of your body. Salt causes your body to retain fluids, especially in your limbs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your knee cartilage is cushioned by a small sac of fluid. This fluid can also retain water, just like the rest of your body, and cause swelling in your knees. If the swelling is related to your diet, both of your knees may be swollen and you may also have additional swelling in your limbs, such as around your ankles and in your feet. Eating a poor diet can also cause certain types of arthritis, including gout, to flare up.
Eliminate Salts
If your doctor confirms that a poor diet has caused knee swelling, he may recommend that you reduce the amount of salt that you consume. Certain foods such as canned soups, processed meats, prepared mixes and condiments can contain large amounts of sodium. Some foods naturally contain large amounts of sodium such as olives, seafood, cheeses and some legumes, according to the American Heart Association.
Other Diet Precautions
Since diet can cause certain types of arthritis to flare up, salt is not the only culprit you have to watch out for. Cut down on th protein from your diet. Red meat, poultry and fish can aggravate gout, according to MayoClinic.com. The Mayo Clinic also recommends eating low-fat or fat-free dairy products and choosing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits, to reduce symptoms of gout. When uric acid builds up in your system, your gout can begin to cause swelling and pain. Drink plenty of fluids to help remove uric acid from your body. Avoid alcoholic beverages, especially beer, because they can interfere with the elimination of uric acid.
Medications
Certain medications can cause your body to retain fluids, especially in your lower limbs and knees. Medications that can cause swelling include calcium channel blockers, certain blood pressure medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, prednisone, thiazolidinediones and estrogen. Talk to your doctor about the risk of knee swelling while taking these medications.
References
- MedlinePlus: Swelling; Oct. 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bursitis; Steven D. Ehrlich; Dec. 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Knee Pain: Causes; Mayo Clinic Staff; Sept. 2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Arthritis of the Knee; Oct. 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Edema; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Gout Diet; Mayo Clinic Staff; Aug. 2011
