

Additionally, knee swelling can be found around the kneecap or in tissues outside of the joint capsule as well, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and ligaments (such as the medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament). The two most common swollen knee causes are from bleeding in the joint or an over-accumulation of synovial fluid due to injury or chronic wear. The fluid works to keep the joint lubricated so that it can move smoothly.Ī knee will most often become swollen when excess fluid builds up in the joint capsule. These tissues provide stability to the joint and also keep fluid where it belongs within the joint, known as synovial fluid. The knee joint itself is an enclosed system of connective tissue, known as the joint capsule. Why is my knee swollen? To understand why fluid accumulates in the knee joint, it’s important to understand the anatomy of a joint. As we age, the types of chronic conditions that might cause swelling in the knees become more common, causing the possibility of swollen knees to increase. A swollen knee can come about very quickly due to an injury, or, it can occur gradually over time as the result of a chronic condition. Are Swollen Knees Common?Ī swollen knee cap is a very common condition and can affect anyone, young and old. Swollen knees can occur either rapidly or gradually, and can range from mild to severe depending on your overall health and other underlying issues.

If your knee feels swollen, it usually means that there’s a problem inside or around the joint, either from an injury or chronic condition. A swollen knee is sometimes referred to as “water on the knee” or knee effusion. This can be caused by swelling within the joint itself (intracapsular), around the kneecap, or in surrounding tissues such as the local muscles or ligaments. More about Swollen KneesĪ swollen knee is caused when fluid accumulates in or around the joint.
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In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about swollen knees-what they are, what causes them, and how to prevent them. If you notice swelling in your knees, don’t worry-there are plenty of swollen knee treatments that you can try at home to reduce symptoms quickly and get you back to feeling your best. Often troublesome, a swollen knee might cause you stiffness and pain, making it difficult to go about your everyday life. Request an appointment online, or call (203) 337-2600.Whether the onset comes on quickly or gradually, after an injury or without warning, swollen knees are very common. As southern Connecticut’s largest and most experienced orthopedic practice, you can count on our team of knee specialists to get you on the road to recovery. If you are suffering from effusion, or any other injuries to the knee, help is available at Orthopaedic Specialty Group. Steroid injections directly into the knee.Your doctor may recommend a wide range of treatment options, depending on the cause of your knee effusion. If you see no improvement after 2-3 days of rest and ice, you should seek help from a medical professional. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antiinflammatories.One knee appears noticeably larger than the other.Īs with most soft tissue injuries, you should try self-treatment measures before seeing a doctor.Stiffness or reduced range of motion due to increased fluid.Signs and symptoms of knee effusion include: Traumatic injury – such as a sprain, ligament tear, or broken bone.

Read below to learn about the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee effusion: Knee Effusion CausesĪ swollen knee may be the result of trauma, overuse, or even an underlying medical condition. If you suffer from knee effusion, it is important to be well-informed so that you can make educated decisions about your health and treatment. This can cause a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort. Knee effusion, commonly known as “water on the knee”, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in and around your knee joint.
