A swollen knee is a symptom with many potential causes. Edema may be the result of leg injuries and contusions,degenerative changes in the knee jointor postoperative complications. The ailments are often accompanied by additional symptoms, such as pain, limited mobility, and skin warming.
A swollen knee requires treatment. Appropriate treatment alleviates the course of ailments, improves joint motility and prevents further damage to the structures of the locomotor system.
In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
Why is my knee swollen and hot to the touch – direct causes
A swollen knee is a common, but not very characteristic and ambiguous symptom. It can appear either after an injury or a blow, or unexpectedly – for no specific known reason. Swollen knees are most often accompanied by additional ailments such as pain and skin warming. They also cause limited mobility, local stiffness and gait distortion. Due to the wide range of causes, knee swelling can be differentiated according to the circumstances of the symptoms, health condition and age.
Swelling of the leg above the knee, in the central area or around the joint is most often mechanical and is associated with trauma to the structures of the locomotor system, or with their overload and strain. The elements that make up a joint may be injured not only during sports training and physical work, but also during everyday home and recreational activities. Particularly strenuous for the knees are long-distance running on hard and uneven ground, e.g. asphalt, overcoming a large difference in elevation and lifting heavy objects. A swollen leg in the knee is often the result of a lack of warm-up, improper running technique, climbing or other activity involving the joint intensely, as well as anatomical anomalies and posture defects in the lower limbs. Equally often, a swollen knee may appear after a fall and contusion, and depending on the force of the impact, the swelling varies in intensity and additional symptoms, therefore it is necessary to consult a specialist in order to broaden the diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment method. It is also often a reaction after joint surgery. A swollen knee after arthroscopy is a physiological response to surgical intervention.
Swollen, aching knees – causes not related to the injury
A swollen knee after fatigue may be much less disturbing than ailments and deformation of a joint that occurs without a specific cause. Then various diseases can be presumed. Pain and a swollen knee are characteristic symptoms of degenerative changes, the essence of which is the progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage. As a result, its surface gradually wears down and mass is lost, and the epiphyses of the bone are exposed and osteophytes are formed (i.e. changes referred to as the so-called bone beaks or growths, which are the result of local bone tissue build-up). Swelling of the knee, difficulty walking and discomfort at rest are indicative of advanced disease, because in the initial stage, degenerative changes do not cause any discomfort2.
A painful, swollen knee may be caused by a Baker’s cyst, i.e. a lesion in the area of the popliteal fossa, having the shape of a tumor of varying hardness that can be felt under the skin. It is caused by the work of a joint filled with synovial fluid1. There are many causes of the disorder. It is most often caused by injuries, inflammation, overload and rheumatic diseases.
A swollen knee and pain can be a symptom of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, known as tibial aseptic necrosis. The disorder develops in 8–15 year olds who lead a sporty, very active lifestyle and undergo a period of rapid growth. The essence of the disorder is chronic inflammation in the area of the patellar ligament attachment, i.e. at its base, as a result of excessive traction of the tendons of the quadriceps muscle, which is the main knee extension apparatus3. The ailments tend to worsen during exercises with a lot of strain on the legs, such as jogging and jumping. A swollen knee not only hurts, but also causes limping, hypersensitivity to touch and increased local warming of the skin.
If there are disturbing symptoms, it is necessary to consult a specialist for a thorough diagnosis and selection of the appropriate treatment.
Swollen knee – home remedies
A swollen knee requires treatment. Appropriate treatment alleviates the course of ailments, improves joint motility and prevents the progression of damage to the structures of the locomotor system. Regardless of the reasons, there are several home remedies that can be used. A swollen knee in acute post-traumatic condition is beneficially affected by a cold, local gel compress or with the use of a damp gauze or towel, applied for 15–20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. You can also do gentle massages with ice cubes.
It is important to stiffen the joint and rest, especially from activities related to the exploitation of the lower limbs, even of light intensity. While resting, it’s a good idea to raise your knee above pelvic level. For this purpose, you can support your leg with a chair or a pouffe while sitting. When lying down, it is worth placing a pillow or a rolled-up blanket under the ankles and knee joint. A well-balanced diet, rich in saturated omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C, E and A, collagen, amino acids, microelements and water, can be a supplement to home treatment of swollen knees, especially against diseases.