![]() Distracting the brain from pain signals to the brainĪpply a cold compress to the knee for no longer than 20 minutes at a time.Slowing down the production of joint fluid in the knee (-synovial joint fluid is normally helpful but can contribute to knee swelling and discomfort).Causing nearby blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow and inflammation.Icing is an easy, effective treatment for excess knee swelling. The joint should not necessarily be immobile people with knee swelling should try to gently flex and straighten the knee several times a day to maintain range of motion.Ģ. Take a break from sports and other activities for 24 hours or longer. ![]() Rest will give the joint time to repair and recover. Read the descriptions of these treatments below to help maximize their benefit and avoid mistakes.ġ. ![]() Home care typically involves Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.) and medication. In many cases, a mild to moderately swollen knee may be treated at home. Seek immediate care if the leg swelling occurs suddenly with no known reason, particularly if it is accompanied by symptoms such as leg pain, chest pain, and/or problems breathing, as these may be signs of a life-threatening blood clot. Swollen lower limb-1: general assessment and deep vein thrombosis. Leg swelling can be a sign of a serious health problem.ġ Schellong SM, Wollina U, Unger L, Machetanz J, Stelzner C. Read about Arthritis Treatment SpecialistsĬontact a doctor if the swelling affects the leg, not just the knee. (Aspiration is described at the bottom of this page.) If more information is needed, the doctor may recommend medical imaging, such as an x-ray, or removing fluid from the knee using an in-office procedure called aspiration. The physical examination and patient interview may provide enough information to make an accurate diagnosis. Knee swelling has been present for 3 days or longerĪ doctor will examine the patient's knee and ask the patient several questions.The person has a fever of 100.4° F or higher.The skin over the knee turns hot or red.The person cannot bear weight on the knee, or feels as if the knee is going to "give out".The knee is severely painful (for example, the pain is not adequately treated with over-the-counter medication).The knee cannot fully straighten or fully bend.The knee is severely swollen or has a pronounced abnormality. ![]() If the person is still unsure whether to seek professional medical treatment, a phone call to a doctor or nurse can help determine whether an office visit is necessary. When to Contact a Doctorīelow are guidelines to help people decide if their knee swelling requires medical attention. Read on to learn when to contact a doctor, how to treat a swollen knee at home, and how doctors can remove fluid from a knee using a process called aspiration. Medical attention is recommended if the knee is persistently swollen or accompanied by severe pain or other serious symptoms. When does a swollen knee require medical care, and when can it be treated at home? Mild to moderate knee swelling and knee effusion-sometimes called water on the knee-can usually be treated at home. ![]()
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