What kind of pathology is a swollen knee?
A swollen knee occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around your knee joint. Your doctor might refer to this condition as an effusion in your knee joint. Some people call this condition "water on the knee."
A swollen knee may be the result of trauma, overuse injuries, or an underlying disease or condition.
To determine the cause of the swelling, your doctor might need to obtain a sample of the fluid to test for infection, disease or injury. Imaging tests - X-ray, Ultrasound can help show where the problem is located. Magnetic resonance imaging may be required.
After determining the cause of swelling in the knee area, an appropriate course of treatment is prescribed.
Removing some of the fluid also helps reduce the pain and stiffness associated with the swelling.
If non-surgical methods of pathology management are ineffective for some reason, failing to produce the desired result, the physician will consider the procedure of arthrocentesis (knee joint puncture), arthroscopy, and knee joint replacement.
Of course, the course of treatment is individual in each case and depends on the underlying cause and the specific clinical case.
A physiotherapy course is provided to improve knee function.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms typically include:
- Swelling. The skin around your kneecap can puff up noticeably, especially when you compare the affected knee to the normal one.
- Stiffness. When your knee joint contains excess fluid, you might not be able to bend or straighten your leg completely.
- Pain. Depending on the cause of the fluid buildup, the knee might be very painful
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if:
- Self-care measures or prescribed medications don't relieve the pain and swelling
- One knee becomes red and feels warm to the touch compared to your other knee
Causes
Many types of problems, ranging from traumatic injuries to diseases and other conditions, can cause a swollen knee.
Injuries
Damage to any part of your knee can cause excess joint fluid to accumulate.
Injuries that can cause fluid buildup in and around the knee joint include:
- Torn ligament, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Cartilage (meniscus) tear
- Irritation from overuse
- Broken bones
Diseases and conditions
Underlying diseases and conditions that can produce fluid buildup in and around the knee joint include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infection
- Gout
- Pseudogout
- Bursitis
- Cysts
- Tumors
Risk factors
- Age. Your likelihood of developing a swollen knee related to arthritis increases as you age.
- Sports. People who participate in sports that involve twisting the knee, such as basketball, are more likely to experience the types of knee injuries that cause swelling.
- Obesity. Excess weight puts added stress on the knee joint, contributing to the tissue and joint overload and knee degeneration that can lead to a swollen knee.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-knee/symptoms-causes/syc-20378129
