How to Manage a Swollen Knee: Expert Tips for Relief

Understanding Knee Swelling

Knee swelling is a common condition that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. 

To effectively manage a swollen knee, it's important to understand its symptoms, causes, and potential complications.

Common Causes of a Swollen Knee

One of the primary symptoms of a swollen knee is an accumulation of fluid, which may cause the knee to appear puffy or enlarged. This can be due to an injury, overuse, or an underlying medical condition.

Knee swelling can stem from both acute and chronic issues: 

• Acute swelling is typically associated with injuries such as a fall or twisting event, which may indicate conditions like ligament injuries, fractures, or meniscus tears. 
• Chronic causes may include conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis.

Other common conditions that may cause a swollen knee, include:

• Infection: Infections within the knee joint can lead to an increased buildup of fluid, causing significant swelling. Bacterial infections, in particular, can require antibiotics or even surgical intervention if less invasive treatments prove ineffective.
• Crystal Deposits: Conditions such as gout or pseudogout involve the deposition of crystals within the knee joint. Gout results from uric acid crystals, while pseudogout occurs due to calcium pyrophosphate crystals. Both conditions cause intense pain and swelling.
• Overuse injuries: Overuse injuries occur when repetitive stress is placed on the knee without adequate time for recovery, leading to inflammation and soft tissue irritation. This can result in swelling, stiffness, and discomfort, especially during or after activity involving jumping, running, or prolonged kneeling.
• Tendonitis: Tendonitis in the knee occurs when a tendon—typically the patellar or quadriceps tendon—becomes inflamed due to repetitive strain or sudden increases in activity
• Baker's cyst: A fluid-filled cyst behind the knee that can cause swelling and discomfort.

For more information on other related conditions that may cause knee pain and swollen knees, check out our articles on MCL tear, ACL tear, Achilles tendon rupture, and patellar tendinitis.

Diagnosis of Swollen Knees

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of a swollen knee. This might include a combination of:

• Physical Examination: Initial examination to assess swelling and knee mobility.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to identify underlying conditions.
• Aspiration: Drawing fluid from the knee joint to test for infections or gout.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper and accurate diagnosis for your swollen knees and knee pain.

For more information about specific types of knee pain such as sharp knee pain or runners knee, explore our detailed guides. 

You can also learn about appropriate exercises to strengthen your knee by visiting knee strengthening exercises.

At-Home Treatments for Knee Swelling

Rest and Activity Modification

A key component of managing a swollen knee is to allow it to rest and limit activities that can worsen the condition. 

By minimizing weight-bearing activities and avoiding movements that aggravate the knee, you give it the necessary time to heal (Cleveland Clinic). 

Resting can help reduce inflammation and prevent further injury. Adjust your daily routine to include more periods of rest if you are experiencing significant knee pain.

Ice and Compression

Applying ice and compression can significantly help in reducing knee swelling. Ice therapy involves placing an ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. 

This helps constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing swelling and numbness, easing pain. Compression using an elastic bandage can further help manage swelling by providing gentle pressure around the knee.

Elevation

Elevating the leg with the swollen knee above the level of your heart can aid in reducing swelling.

Elevation helps by allowing fluids to drain away from the knee area, decreasing pressure and reducing inflammation. When resting or sleeping, use pillows to prop up your leg comfortably.

These methods are part of the RICE method, an effective way to treat knee pain and swelling at home. 

Over-the-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can also provide relief from knee pain and swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. 

Always follow the dosage instructions and consult with your healthcare provider if you have existing health conditions or are unsure about which medication to use.

These treatment options should be treated as a general guideline, always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on medication and treatment that is right for you.

For more on choosing the right pain reliever, see our guide on what is the best painkiller for knee pain. 

Additionally, for further information on exercises and treatments, explore our articles on stretches for knee pain and exercises for knee pain.

Medical Treatments for Persistent Swelling

Aspiration (Joint Drainage)

Aspiration, also known as joint drainage, is a procedure where a healthcare provider uses a needle to remove excess fluid from the swollen knee. This can provide immediate relief from swelling and pain. 

Aspiration might also be conducted to diagnose conditions such as infections or gout by analyzing the fluid extracted from the knee. It serves as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for a swollen knee (Mayo Clinic).

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are another effective treatment for persistent knee swelling. These injections involve the administration of a corticosteroid directly into the affected knee to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 

They are particularly useful when swelling is due to inflammatory conditions like bursitis or arthritis. While corticosteroid injections can offer fast relief, they are generally used sparingly due to potential side effects with long-term use.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is crucial for managing persistent knee swelling. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises designed to increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles around your knee. This supportive muscle structure can lessen strain on the knee joint and reduce recurrent swelling. 

Physical therapy can also include using protective knee braces and compressive knee sleeves to manage swelling and provide support. 

Check out our article to learn more details about physical therapy and exercises that will alleviate knee pain fast.

Always consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and before starting a new treatment regimen for your knee pain.

Preventing Future Knee Swelling

Strengthening and Mobility Exercises

One of the most effective ways to prevent knee swelling is by engaging in specific exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance joint mobility (Mayo Clinic).

Prevention strategies:

• Strengthening exercises: Incorporate exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. These activities provide the necessary support to the knee joint.
• Flexibility exercises: Stretching exercises can enhance total mobility and the flexibility of your muscles and joints.
• Balance training: Include balance and stability training in your routine to boost joint stability and prevent injuries.

Activities like swimming, cycling, and tai chi are low-impact exercises that can strengthen muscles without putting undue pressure on the knee joints. These exercises also promote overall cardiovascular health. 

Proper body mechanics during daily activities and regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help minimize strain on your joints, reducing the risk of persistent knee issues.

Proper Footwear and Support

Wearing the right shoes is essential in reducing knee stress and preventing swelling. Opt for footwear that offers adequate support, cushioning, and stability. 

Proper shoes distribute weight evenly across the foot, reducing strain on the knee.

Key considerations:

• Supportive footwear: Choose shoes that support your arch and cushion your heel. This helps in shock absorption and reduces the load on your knees.
• Orthotic inserts: Use orthotic inserts if needed to provide additional support.

For more information on how proper shoes can help with knee and leg pain, visit our article on the correct shoes for proper foot alignment.

Activity Modification and Training Load Management

Modifying activities and managing training load are crucial in preventing knee injuries and subsequent swelling (Cleveland Clinic).

Key strategies:

• Proper sports equipment: Use appropriate gear to provide necessary support during sports and physical activities.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Always warm up before and cool down after exercises to prepare your muscles and joints.
• Manage training intensity: Avoid sudden increases in training intensity. Gradual progression in workouts reduces the risk of overuse injuries.
• Healthy weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight lessens the strain on your knees, lowering the risk of swelling and pain.

By following these strategies, you can reduce the chances of developing knee problems.

For those experiencing severe and persistent knee pain, further consultation with a physical therapist is advisable to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Seek RELIEF®

RELIEF® is a science-backed, targeted approach that targets dysfunctional fascia that surrounds the affected knee tendons.

The treatment utilizes hydrodissection—a fluid-based technique that gently separates and releases adhered soft tissue layers and fascia, which may contribute to knee pain and degenerative joint symptoms.^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7}

RELIEF® is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional treatments—and requires no steroids, medication, surgery, anesthesia, or post-procedure immobilization.

‍Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how RELIEF® may help with your knee pain.