Knee Pain and Swelling: Causes and Effective Treatments

Knee Pain and Swelling: Causes and Effective Treatments

Knee pain is a common problem, but when it comes with swelling, it can be especially uncomfortable and worrying. Swelling can make your knee feel stiff, warm, and difficult to bend or straighten—and it often signals an underlying problem that needs attention.

At ALGOS Multispeciality Pain Clinic, we help patients understand why swelling happens, how to relieve it safely, and what treatments work best to get you moving again.

Below, you’ll find a complete guide to the causes, treatments, and prevention of knee pain and swelling.

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Why Does Knee Swelling Happen?

Knee swelling usually means there’s fluid buildup inside or around the joint.

This fluid may be:

  • Inflammatory (from irritation)
  • Traumatic (from injury)
  • Infectious (rare but serious)
  • Degenerative (from wear and tear)

The swelling can appear gradually over days or suddenly after an injury.

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Common Causes of Knee Pain and Swelling

Here are some of the most frequent reasons we see in clinic:

Osteoarthritis

Gradual wear of the cartilage lining the joint leads to:
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling that worsens with activity
  • Aching pain, especially at the end of the day

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease where the body attacks the joint lining, causing:
  • Warmth and significant swelling
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Symmetrical joint involvement (both knees or other joints)

Meniscus Tear

A cartilage tear (often from twisting or squatting) can trigger:
  • Pain along the joint line
  • Swelling within hours of injury
  • Clicking or locking sensations

Ligament Injury

Sprains or partial tears of ligaments (like ACL or MCL) can lead to:
  • Sudden swelling
  • Feeling of instability
  • Difficulty bearing weight

Bursitis

Inflammation of small fluid sacs (bursae) around the knee:
  • Swelling over the kneecap or below it
  • Tenderness when pressing the area
  • Redness or warmth

Gout or Pseudogout

Uric acid crystals (gout) or calcium crystals (pseudogout) in the joint cause:
  • Severe, rapid-onset swelling
  • Extreme tenderness
  • Redness and warmth

Infection (Septic Arthritis)

A serious cause that needs urgent care:
  • Severe pain and swelling
  • Fever and chills
  • Inability to move the joint

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect infection.

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How Is Knee Swelling Diagnosed?

At our clinic, diagnosis starts with:

  • Detailed history and symptom review
  • Careful physical examination
  • Imaging (X-ray or MRI) to check for injuries or arthritis
  • Blood tests for infection or inflammation
  • Occasionally, joint fluid aspiration to analyze the fluid and confirm infection or crystals

A precise diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment the first time.

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Effective Treatments for Knee Pain and Swelling

Treatment depends on what’s causing your swelling.
Here are the most effective approaches we use:

Rest and Activity Modification

  • Avoid movements that worsen swelling (deep squats, kneeling)
  • Use a brace or support if needed for stability

Ice and Elevation

  • Apply cold packs 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during acute flare-ups
  • Elevate your leg above heart level to reduce swelling

Compression

  • Elastic bandages or knee sleeves can help control fluid buildup
  • Be sure they are not too tight

Medications

  • Anti-inflammatory tablets (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
  • Short courses of stronger medications if needed
  • Colchicine or specific treatment for gout flare-ups

Aspiration (Joint Fluid Drainage)

  • If swelling is severe or causing discomfort, your specialist can remove excess fluid with a sterile needle
  • This reduces pressure and helps confirm the cause

Injections

  • Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and swelling in arthritis or bursitis
  • Hyaluronic acid injections improve lubrication in osteoarthritis
  • PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) can promote healing in meniscus injuries

Physiotherapy

Once swelling improves, guided exercises help:
  • Restore movement
  • Strengthen muscles
  • Prevent recurrence

Radiofrequency Ablation

For chronic pain unresponsive to other treatments, this minimally invasive procedure targets pain nerves around the knee to give long-lasting relief.
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Home Care Tips

Here are simple steps you can take at home:

  • Avoid prolonged standing or high-impact activities during flare-ups
  • Use supportive footwear with cushioning
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your knees
  • Do gentle range-of-motion exercises if advised by your doctor
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When to Seek Urgent Care

See a doctor immediately if you have:

  • Severe pain and swelling with fever
  • Red, hot, or very tender joint
  • Inability to bear weight after an injury
  • Sudden large swelling with severe pain
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Get Expert Help for Lasting Relief

At ALGOS Multispeciality Pain Clinic, we understand how disruptive knee pain and swelling can be. Our multidisciplinary team offers:

  • Precise diagnosis
  • Personalized non-surgical treatment plans
  • Advanced interventions if needed

Our goal is to relieve your pain and help you move confidently again—without unnecessary surgery.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book your consultation today and start your journey towards healthy, pain-free knees.

  • 📞 Call +917975896550
  • 🌐 Website www.algospainclinic.com
  • 📍 ALGOS Multispeciality Pain Clinic
  • 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @algospainclinic

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