Why is My Knee Swollen and Painful?
Is your knee swollen? Is it painful as well? Have you wondered why? Well, this page is for you. And no, you are not the only one, with over 1 in 4 people experiencing knee swelling in their life. This can happen after a fall, during sports, or even without any clear reason. Knee pain often resolves with simple, at home care. But, then again, it may be sign that you need to see your doctor and that your knee needs proper care. Today, we are going to discuss:
· Why the knee swells up
· What you can do at home
· When you should see a doctor
· Treatments for knee that may help you feel better
Associate Professor Dr. Chinmay Gupte with experience over 20 years of experience are treating people with knee problems like this in London. So let’s take this step by step.
How Does a Swollen Knee Feel?
If you knee is swollen, it doesn’t just “look big.” You may notice:
· One knee looks larger than the other
· It feels heavy or tight, like something is pushing inside
· Pain when bending, climbing stairs, or standing for too long
· Warmth or redness around the joint
· Clicking or popping sounds
· Sometimes, the knee may even “give way” suddenly
Why Does the Knee Swell?
Your knee is the support system which allows you to walk, run, and sit. Inside of knee, there arebones, cushions (cartilage), strong ropes (ligaments), and a little fluid to keep things smooth.
And when anything goes wrong, the knee can become damaged or sprained, resulting in swelling. Here are the most common reasons of knee problems:
1. Injuries (the most common cause)
Twists and tears: If you’ve experienced a sharp twist of your knee, you could damagethe ligaments or meniscus (soft cushion inside the knee). Swelling usually starts quickly.
Falls or accidents: This could cause fractures (broken bones), ligament or meniscal tears, and swelling.
2. Arthritis or Gout (wear and tear or inflammation)
Osteoarthritis: Withage, the knee joint slowly wears down, leading to swelling and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a condition in which your own immune system attacks itself, leading to symptoms within the joints.
Gout: Uric acid builds up as tiny crystals inside the knee, causing sudden sharp pain and swelling.
3. Infections (need urgent care)
Sometimes, germs (bacteria) enter the knee joint which causes swelling, pain, redness, and often fever. You must see a doctor in this situation.
4. Other reasons
There can be some reasons for your swollen and painfulknee. Some of them are:
Bursitis: Small fluid sacs around the knee get inflamed.
Tendonitis: Overuse of the knee from running or jumping.
Blood clotting issues: Rarely, blood clots can develop in the knee and can cause swelling.
How Do Doctors Find the Reason?
Now, when you go and visit a knee doctor like Chinmay Gupte for your treatment of your swollen and painful knee, this is what a typical consultation looks like:
· Focused questions – The doctor will ask when your symptoms started, how painful your knee is, and any potential causes, such as falling or sporting injury.
· Examination – They look at the knee, press gently, and move it identify the most likely cause of the pain.
· Scans – X-rays or MRIs may be used to visualize the joint.
· Tests – Sometimes a blood test or a small sample of knee fluid is checked for infection or gout.
This helps find the real reason, because every swollen knee is not the same.
Treatments That Can Help
Treatments will vary with the cause of the injury, but below are some potential treatments:
1. Simple Care (often the first step)
Rest: Avoid heavy activity.
Ice: 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Compression: A knee bandage can help in controlling swelling.
Elevation: Prop your knee up on pillows.
Medicines: Painkillers or anti-inflammatory tablets (only under medical advice).
Physiotherapy: Gentle exercises to keep the knee strong.
2. Clinic Treatments
Fluid removal:In specific situations, removal of fluid can bring fast relief.
Injections: Cortisone or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to reduce pain and swelling.
Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery):Thisis perfect for ligament or meniscal injuries.
Knee replacement:This is a good option, whether partial or total, inadvanced arthritis, when other options are not available.
What Can You Do at Home?
If your knee a little swollen, you could try these steps from the comfort of your own home:
· Resting often helps. Try to restrict the movement of your knee for a few days.
· Use ice packs over hot packs, unless it is for arthritis-related stiffness.
· Avoid squatting, running, or climbing stairs.
· Wear good shoes that support your knees.
· Try light stretches or short walks if it doesn’t hurt too much.
· Maintain a healthy weight, extra kilos add stress to knees.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should not ignore a swollen knee. Visit a doctor if:
· The swelling appeared suddenly after an injury
· You can’t walk or put weight on your knee
· The knee feels hot, red, and you have a fever (possible infection)
· The knee keeps “locking” or giving way
· Swelling lasts more than 3–4 days even with rest
In our London clinic, we see many patients who waited too long. Early care always makes recovery faster and easier.
A swollen and painful knee is a nuisance, andcan make your life unnecessarily harder. But you must remember that swollen knees can be treated in the majority of cases. Some need just rest and simple care, others need medical attention.The key is not to delay. The sooner you understand the cause of the pain, the quicker you can recover and protect your knee in the future.
Here, we know all about knee problems and treatments as well- whether from sports, arthritis, or sudden injury. Is your knee swollen and painful? Don’t wait. Call us or book an appointment today.
Real Questions People Ask (FAQs)
Q: Can a swollen knee heal on its own?
A: Yes, small injuries may heal in a few days. But if swelling keeps coming back, don’t ignore it.
Q: How long does swelling last?
A: Mild swelling may settle in 2–3 days. Acute injuries may last longer. If you experience persistent swelling, seek medical advice
Q: Can I walk with a swollen knee?
A: If it’s mild arthritis, light walking may help. But if you injured your knee, walking can make it worse. Always check first.
Q: Can I prevent knee swelling?
A: Yes, for the most part. For more chronic injuries, and general prevention, staying activeis incredibly helpful. Ensuring you warm up before exercise, wearingappropriatefootwear and try to limit the strain on your knees is key.
