Home Remedies for Swollen Knee

Posted by Rao K. Ali on September 15th, 2021

Is knee swelling disturbing you? It can be due to any injury, accident, hit, or medical condition. These conditions are accompanied by knee pain and swelling. Sometimes the pain, inflammation, and swelling are chronic and demand long-term treatment. Whereas at other times, you can treat the swollen knee at home. Hence, this article will focus on home remedies for a swollen knee.

So, when you feel pain and swelling in your knee, you must first treat it through traditional therapies. And if it is not practical, you must visit a specialist.

What are the Symptoms?

• If you have an acute injury, it can result in knee inflammation.

• Swelling depicts inflammation as fluid accumulates around the damaged region and makes the knee puffier.

• Swelling can of various types. If your knee joint is swelled, you are likely to suffer from:

• Effusion – inflammation within the joints.

• Edema – Inflamed tissues surrounding the knee joint.

• Hemarthrosis – when blood accumulates within the joint and causes swelling.

So, inflammation and swelling can be acute or prolonged. However, if you have suffered an injury, the acute swelling is likely to vanish within 24 hours. At the same time, chronic inflammation can last for an extended period and indicate an underlying health condition.

So, the significant symptoms of acute swelling include:

• Pain

• Entire or Partial Loss of Knee Functionality

• Warmth

• Redness

• Swelling

What are the Main Causes?

If you see swollen knee pictures, you may find out that there are many susceptible causes of knee swelling that encompass:

Bursitis

It occurs when fluid-filled sacs or bursa in your knee joint get irritated. So, as an inflammatory response, you may experience swelling. In addition, it places pressure on adjacent knee parts can trigger pain.

As per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most typical reasons for bursitis are repeated kneeling or direct force trauma to your knee. Hence, it is diagnosed through imaging tests that include x-rays and MRI.

Arthritis

Arthritis is another prevalent cause of chronic knee inflammation accompanied by the other five signs of acute inflammation. So, as per the Arthritis Foundation, many types of arthritis may trigger knee swelling like:

• Osteoarthritis: Breakdown of the knee cartilage

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis is caused due to an attack of the immune system on your joints.

• Juvenile Arthritis: Attacks people aged 16 years and below.

• Reactive Arthritis: Chronic condition that is usually followed by infection of the genitals and urinary tract.

• Infectious Arthritis: Triggers knee swelling as a result of infection

• Gout: a type of arthritis that causes accumulation of uric acid in your blood.

Acute Injuries

If you have an active lifestyle, you are susceptible to acute injuries. Playing sports, exercising, performing high-impact activities, lifting weight, or accidents are likely to cause blunt force trauma to your knee. Hence, the most typical form of acute injury includes:

• Twists to the ligaments and muscles that surround the knee due to sudden twists or turns.

• Tendonitis due to misuse of a ligament or joint.

• Torn cartilage due to shock to the knee.

Infections

Infections in your knee joint can lead to swelling:

Lupus

A severe medical condition that triggers the immune system to attack healthy joints of the body.

Lyme Disorder

This disease is spread through impulses and triggers flu-like symptoms like rash and swelling.

What are the Home Remedies?

RICE Method

If your knee is inflamed due to twisting or accident, and it is stressed or injured, you should remember the RICE method:

Rest

Take a break from high-impact activities.

Ice Therapy

Use a cold compress or ice bag to comfort your knee after every few hours. Each application should last for 15-20 minutes.

Compression

Wrap your knee using a compression bandage to treat inflammation. However, you should be mindful of the fact that wrapping it tightly can disrupt your blood circulation.

Elevation

When you rest, keep your feet in a raised position.

Tai Chi

It is a type of prehistoric Chinese exercise that enhances your body balance and suppleness. In 2009, experts discovered that tai chi is highly effective in healing osteoarthritis. So, tai chi helps diminish pain and enhances the knee rom (range of motion). Besides, it requires you to relax through deep breathing. Hence, it helps in managing intense pain.

Exercising

Working out can strengthen your muscles and help maintain mobility. Also, it can effectively treat osteoarthritis and other knee swelling issues. Hence, you may rest or restrict your movement to avoid pain, which can also lead to joint stiffing and gradual recovery. However, if you are suffering from osteoarthritis, lack of exercise can accelerate the rate of joint damage. So, if you have osteoarthritis, you should try to practice with another person (trainer or friend) for the best outcomes. Some low-impact activities include cycling, walking, swimming, or yoga.

If symptoms are severe, you should take a break from your exercise and resume with a gradual approach. Your physician or physiotherapist can suggest you the best exercise program.

Manage Your Weight

It is a fact that if you are overweight, your joints have to bear extra pressure. As per the arthritis foundation, overweight and joint inflammation are closely linked. For example, if you have a high BMI, you have a higher chance of developing osteoarthritis than those who have lower BMI. Hence, managing weight can help reduce strain on your knee and alleviate symptoms.

Heat and Cold Remedies

You may use heat or a cold pad to reduce signs of knee pain. While a cold treatment is highly effective in diminishing knee inflammation. Before you apply the heat and cold remedies, you should be careful of the following:

• Switch between hot and cold remedies.

• Apply heat pad for at least 15-20 minutes each time.

• For the first few days of the knee injury, you may apply ice packs for twenty minutes 6-8 times a day.

• You may use a gel pack or ice pack frequently during the first day of the injury.

• Avoid direct application of the ice to your knee.  

• Make sure that the heat pad is not very hot when you apply.

• Avoid heat therapy if your knee flare-up.

• Take a warm shower to ease stiff joint symptoms.

• Use prescribed ointments or paraffin.

When to Visit a Physician?

If your knee issue does not vanish with time with these home remedies, you must schedule an appointment with a specialist.