Your knee likely appears "big" due to swelling, which happens when excess fluid accumulates in or around your knee joint. Health care providers often call this an effusion in your knee joint.
Causes of Knee Swelling
A swollen knee can result from various factors, including:
- Trauma: An injury like a fall or direct blow to the knee.
- Overuse Injuries: Repetitive motions or activities that strain the knee joint.
- Underlying Diseases or Conditions: Medical conditions that affect the joints.
Understanding Knee Effusion
Knee effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid within the knee joint. This fluid can be:
- Synovial fluid: Normal joint fluid, but in excessive amounts.
- Blood: From an injury.
- Pus: Indicating an infection.
Diagnosing the Cause
To determine why your knee is swollen, a healthcare professional may:
- Perform a physical exam.
- Order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI.
- Take a sample of the fluid from your knee (arthrocentesis).
Treatment Options
Treatment for a swollen knee depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- R.I.C.E.: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
- Pain medication: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee.
- Aspiration: Draining the fluid from the knee.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue.
