What Does It Mean If My Knee Is Swollen?

What Does It Mean If My Knee Is Swollen?

Swelling in the knee, also known as knee effusion or water on the knee, occurs when fluid collects around the knee joint.  Swelling can occur due to many different reasons and apply to all ages of patients.  

While some reasons for swelling can be treated with over-the-counter medication, persistent and constant swelling can lead to tissue damage, bone softening, and cartilage loss.  

The quick answer is when swelling in the knee is accompanied by constant pain and other issues, it is advised to seek medical attention. The following information will include common reasons to explain what does it mean when my knee is swollen.  Below are common treatment methods and when it is advised to contact a doctor. Read this article about knee pain and 5 knee symptoms you should not ignore.

Causes Of A Swollen Knee

So often in physical therapy, patients ask us "what does it mean if my knee is swollen?"

• Osteoarthritis– This is the most common cause of a swollen knee.  Osteoarthritis is caused by the cartilage in the joint wearing down resulting in a bone-on-bone joint.  This also causes a chemical change in the knee and can create a hostile environment causing pain and fluid to build up in the joint. 
• Injury or Trauma – Any injury to the bones, ligaments, meniscus, tendons, bursae, or cartilage in the knee can cause pain and swelling. Some serious trauma and injuries can even lead to blood in the joint.  With a vast amount of blood in the joint, significant knee swelling is expected as well as some stiffness and bruising. 
• Bursitis (Septic and Non-Septic) – Bursa, the small fluid-filled sacs that protect joints, can become inflamed and fill with fluid causing the swelling in the knee.  The joint can become painful and will often feel “squishy” to the affected. Sometimes the bursa can get infected and fill with pus which will also increase swelling in the knee.  This can cause redness and an increase in temperature in the joint. Infrapatellar bursitis can often occur when you bump your knee and cause an extreme amount of pain when kneeling.
• Tendonitis of the knee - is when one of the knee tendons become irritated or inflamed causing knee pain.
• If you would like to learn more about the anatomy of the knee, please watch this video.

Knee Anatomy

Treatment for a Swelling on Side of Knee

With those that have a history of osteoarthritis and swelling after strenuous activity, like a workout or run, over-the-counter medications will help alleviate the pain. Patient may also apply compression sleeves to decrease the swelling during and after activity.   Another way to decrease swelling at home is to use R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. 

Knee is swollen from Bursitis

• Rest – Rest the joint and refrain from hard workouts, sports, and prolonged activity for 24-48 hours.  Normal range of motion should continue to decrease joint stiffening.

REST for the RICE Protocol

• Ice – Ice can be applied to the knee 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes at a time.  Ice should never be applied directly to the skin.

Ice for the RICE Protocol

• Compression – An ace bandage, compression sleeve or socks may not only reduce swelling already present, but may limit knee swelling during activity.

Compression Socks for the RICE Protocol

• Elevation – Reducing blood flow to the area by sitting with the leg on a stool or lying down with the foot on a pillow, will reduce swelling. 

Elevation Above Your Heart for RICE

Image of a swollen knee

When Should You See a Doctor for Swollen Knees?

In most cases with a swollen knee, minimal to moderate knee swelling can be taken care of at home.  What does it mean if my knee is swollen? The quick answer is the following cases are reasons to contact doctor:

• The knee is unable to full bend or straighten.
• The knee has a pronounced abnormality or is severely swollen.
• There is extreme pain in the knee.
• The patient is unable to walk on the knee and it feels like it is going to “give out.”
• The area is red and hot.
• The patient has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.
• The knee has been swollen for 3 days or more.

If you want to learn more about knee pain, go to: https://www.joionline.net/trending/content/knee-pain  

If one is uncertain about whether the swelling is serious or not, calling a doctor is a good decision to avoid future damage and resolve an issue within the joint. Hopefully, this article has given you some reasons for "what does it mean if my knee is swollen?".  If the swelling does not go away for an extended period of time, it is probably time to see a JOI Orthopedic Knee Specialist.

The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute will continue to monitor the latest developments of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our patients, families and caregivers. To read more about our safety measures go to JOI4U. JOI & JOI Rehab, encourages all patients to wear a mask to their appointment. You can also complete all of your new patient paperwork from home. To request registration paperwork electronically click HERE.  

To schedule physical therapy with one of our 12 JOI Rehab centers, please call 904-858-7045.

By: Amelia Son, PTA 

To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopaedic Knee Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click below.