Swollen Knee – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Pictures and Scans of the Knee
Doctors use different kinds of images to check for problems inside the knee. These include:
| Test | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| X-ray | Shows bones for fractures, arthritis, or dislocations |
| Ultrasound | Reveals tendons, ligaments, and bursae for injuries or swelling |
| MRI scan | Displays soft tissues like meniscus, ligaments, and spots tears |
These imaging tests help doctors diagnose causes like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, meniscal injuries, or ligament tears.
Removing and Testing Joint Fluid
A doctor may draw fluid from the swollen knee using a needle. This process is called joint fluid sampling.
The doctor checks the fluid for:
- Blood: May indicate injury, trauma, or a bleeding problem.
- Bacteria: Can show an infection, like septic arthritis.
- Crystals: Points to possible gout or pseudogout.
Testing the fluid also helps spot signs of inflammation or infection. The results may reveal problems like bursitis, prepatellar bursitis, or water on the knee.
Other Ways to Learn More
Doctors perform a physical exam by checking the knee for warmth, redness, or stiffness. They press on the area, test joint movement, and check stability if they suspect injuries like a meniscal tear or ligament injury.
Blood tests sometimes help rule out infections or inflammation. Doctors may use imaging and fluid tests together to find rare causes, such as tumors, a dislocated kneecap, Osgood-Schlatter disease, or plica syndrome.
For detailed images, doctors might use CT scans or ultrasonography in special cases.
Treatment
Exercise and Support
A physical therapist teaches patients exercises that strengthen the knee and restore movement. Sometimes, patients use a brace to support the knee and lower stress during healing.
Operations and Medical Procedures
Doctors can drain built-up fluid from the knee to lower swelling and pressure. After draining, they might give a corticosteroid shot to reduce inflammation.
Doctors use procedures like knee arthroscopy with small tools to fix or remove damaged tissue. In severe cases, such as with advanced arthritis, doctors may recommend a full knee replacement.
Self-Care
Simple steps at home can help relieve a swollen or painful knee. Rest is importantโlimit movement and avoid putting weight on the knee to help healing in the joints, ligaments, patellar tendon, and cartilage.
Apply ice therapy for 15โ20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling and soothe discomfort. Raising the knee above heart level helps move fluid and lowers swelling.
Compression with an elastic bandage adds stability and can reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen ease discomfort and improve movement.
Protecting the knee supports the patella, menisci, and muscles like the quadriceps.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
How to Prepare Before Seeing the Doctor
- List your symptoms and when each one started.
- Gather information about past and current health issues, including obesity and joint problems.
- Make a note of important life events or recent stress that might affect your health.
- Write down all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Check if anyone in your family has had autoimmune diseases or other joint concerns.
- Bring a family member or friend for support and to help remember information.
- Make a written list of any questions you want answered during the visit.
A simple table helps organize details:
| What to Bring | Why It’s Helpful |
|---|---|
| Symptom list | Tracks patterns over time |
| Medical history | Helps spot risk factors like obesity |
| Medication and supplement list | Avoids possible interactions |
| List of family health issues | May reveal inherited risks |
Questions to Discuss With the Healthcare Team
- What might be causing these symptoms?
- Are any tests needed to find the problem?
- What are the treatment options?
- With my health conditions, what steps should I take?
Tip: Write these questions down so you remember to ask them during your visit.
What the Doctor May Ask You
Doctors usually ask questions like these:
Did you have a recent knee injury or fall? Describe exactly what happened.
Does your knee ever give out, lock, or feel unstable?
Is your knee warm, red, swollen, or do you have a fever?
What sports or activities do you do?
Have you ever been diagnosed with arthritis?
Does anyone in your family have an autoimmune disorder?
Prepare your answers before the appointment. This helps the doctor cover all important details.
