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Swollen Knee – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Swollen Knee – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment at Emirates Hospital Group

A swollen knee can be a painful and limiting condition, impacting mobility and daily activities. Understanding the potential causes, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial. This discomfort can make everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and even getting out of bed, challenging. It’s important to seek professional medical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain and improve mobility.

Causes:

Injury: Sprains (ligament tears), strains (muscle/tendon injuries), fractures, and dislocations are common causes of knee swelling.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), and other forms of arthritis can cause joint inflammation and swelling.
Meniscus Tear: Tears in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint can lead to pain, swelling, and sometimes locking.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around the knee can cause localized swelling and pain.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee, such as the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon.
Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled sac that develops behind the knee, often related to arthritis or other knee problems.
Infection: Septic arthritis (infection in the knee joint) causes pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness.
Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup, sometimes affecting the knee.
Tumors: Although rare, tumors in or around the knee can cause swelling.

Diagnosis:

Physical Exam: Careful examination of the knee, noting swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, range of motion, and stability.
Patient History: Gathering information about the onset of symptoms, any injuries, other medical conditions, and medications.
Imaging:
- X-rays: Essential to rule out fractures or arthritis.
- MRI: May be used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and menisci.
- Ultrasound: Can be used to evaluate tendons and other soft tissues.
Joint Aspiration: Removing fluid from the knee joint for analysis, which can help diagnose infection or other conditions.

Treatment:

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Often the initial treatment for knee injuries and swelling.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Assistive Devices: Crutches, walkers, or canes may be used to reduce weight bearing on the knee.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in some cases, such as for arthritis or bursitis.
Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat some knee problems, such as meniscus tears or ligament tears.
Knee Replacement Surgery: May be necessary for severe arthritis or other significant knee damage.
Treatment of Underlying Cause: If the swelling is due to an underlying medical condition, treatment will be directed at that condition.

Important Considerations:

Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe knee pain, deformity, or are unable to bear weight. This could indicate a fracture or dislocation.
Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or unexplained knee swelling. Do not attempt to self-treat without consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and to prevent complications.