| Knee swelling | | | | proper diagnosis of the problem first before any |
| Swelling in the knee joint can be an indication of a | | | | treatment is applied. Methods of diagnosing knee |
| plethora of problems. Knee swelling occurs when | | | | swelling are but not limited to: |
| there is an accumulation of fluid around the knee | | | | MRI- this is able to detect any abnormality in |
| joint; this may be as a result of trauma, disease or | | | | bone or knee joint |
| infection. | | | | X-ray - this is to ensure that the patient has not |
| Injuries that occur as a result of physical activity may | | | | broken or dislocated any bone in the knee joint, it |
| cause damage to ligaments and meniscus both of | | | | can also use to detect arthritis |
| which if damage can result in swelling. Determining | | | | Joint aspiration- this involves withdrawal of fluid |
| where the damage occurs depends on how rapid the | | | | from the swollen area to undergo further laboratory |
| knee becomes swollen. Often if the knee becomes | | | | testing, it is a quite useful diagnostic tool when |
| swollen immediately after physical injury then it is an | | | | checking for pathogens or diseases. |
| indication of ligament damage, if swelling occurs | | | | Upon determining the cause of the swelling treatment |
| gradually over several hours then this indicates | | | | may range from something as simple as bed rest to |
| damage to the meniscus. In cases where knee | | | | the more extreme case of orthopaedic surgery. In |
| becomes swollen without any sign of physical injury, | | | | mild to moderate cases taking a break from physical |
| it is an indication of an underlying disease, often | | | | activity to relieve tension and the knee joint in |
| arthritis. | | | | conjunction with the application of anti-inflammatory |
| Apart from injury the most common cause of knee | | | | drugs or antibiotics (if swollen is caused by infection) |
| swelling is disease, especially in older individuals. The | | | | can be used to reduce swelling. Another useful |
| more common diseases that result in swelling are | | | | treatment process is the periodic application of ice to |
| osteoarthritis, gout and bursitis. Both gout and | | | | the affected area, which should be done while the |
| osteoarthritis causes degradation of the cartilage | | | | foot is elevated as this helps with circulation. |
| around the knee joint causing severe pain and | | | | Surgical methods can be used to remove fluids that |
| inflammation. A bursa is a fluid filled sac around the | | | | build up around the joint or to repair damaged tissue, |
| knee joint that serves as a gliding surface that | | | | however in extreme cases where the knee is unable |
| reduces friction between the cartilage and joints. | | | | perform its duties; the knee joint itself might need to |
| When this sac is damaged one experience intense | | | | be replaced. |
| pain followed by swelling, this is known as bursitis. | | | | The restriction caused by knee swelling can greatly |
| Some more common causes of knee swelling are the | | | | affect an individual's life, so if you find yourself |
| presence of tumours and cysts, pseudogout, | | | | suffering from this problem now is the time to do |
| nutrients deficiency and pigmented villonodular | | | | something about it. Make an appointment with your |
| synovitis. | | | | physician to get a proper diagnosis of the problem, |
| Whilst most knee swelling can be treated with | | | | then adapt a treatment regiment and take your life |
| anti-inflammatory medication, it is important to get a | | | | back one kick at a time. |