Content:
Symptoms of a swollen knee
Causes of swollen knees
Pain relief
Exercise
Recovery time
Complications
When to Contact a Doctor
Summary
Swollen and sore knees are very common. Both young and older people, active and non-active will very likely experience pain and swelling in the knee at some point in their lives. Often it’s hard to point to a specific explanation for the pain.
The knee joint is prone to injuries and swelling because it is one of the great weight bearers of the body. It absorbs shocks when you walk, run and jump. At the same time, the knee joint is not as stable as your hips and ankles. Therefore, strong muscles and ligaments play an important role in stabilising and securing balance.
The knee joint is where three large bones meet – the thigh bone (femur) and the two bones in your lower leg (the tibia and the fibula). The joint also consists of the kneecap, cartilage, joint linings, meniscus, ligaments and several bursae. Injury, overuse and disease can affect all these parts and lead to swollen knees.
In this guide, we tell you all you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and best ways to treat your swollen knee.
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Symptoms of a swollen knee
The feeling of “water in the knee” is called knee effusion. It often occurs if the knee is injured or overused. It can also be caused by certain diseases, such as arthritis, bursitis or gout.
If your knee is swollen (effused) you may find it difficult or painful to completely bend or stretch it. It may also be uncomfortable or painful to put your weight on it. Sometimes the swelling reduces partially after some walking around, sometimes the pain gets worse during the day.