Knee Swelling - causes, treatment and effective home remedies

Swelling in the knee - overview

A careless fall on the knee, and it already happened - the knee joint swells and hurts. Often it remains at the short-term lesion. However, knee swelling may also indicate a serious knee injury that may cause extreme complications. In addition, numerous underlying diseases are considered for a swelling in the knee area.

• Definition: Swelling in the knee joint is an articular effusion that occurs when fluid accumulates inside the joint.
• causes For example, a knee injury can be injury (from falls, knocks, overwork, etc.), joint wear, knee joint inflammation (arthritis), or bursitis.
• Accompanying symptoms: Often other symptoms such as knee joint pain, overheating, redness and functional limitations occur.
• Immediate action: In the case of acute injuries, the knee swelling can be alleviated or prevented from spreading by applying the proven "PECH rule" (rest, ice, compression, high camps).
• Treatment: Depending on the cause, drugs, nutritional measures, medicinal herbs and various home remedies are used. In certain cases (e.g., meniscal tear) surgery is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the joint.

contents

• Swelling in the knee - overview
• Structure and function of the knee joint
• Definition knee swelling
• Injuries of the knee joint as the main cause
• Swelling in the knee area due to joint wear
• Knee swelling due to arthritis
• Other arthritis
• Swollen knee due to gout
• Diagnosis with swollen knee
• Therapy for a knee swelling
• nutritional intervention
• Home remedies and lifestyle changes
• Medicinal herbal treatment
• Operational measures

Structure and function of the knee joint

the knee (Articualtio genus) is an extremely important task in the human musculoskeletal system. On the one hand, it serves as a movable connecting piece between upper and lower leg, where it absorbs impact effects and weight loads. On the other hand, it gives the lower body the necessary mobility and stability it needs for daily standing, walking, jumping, sitting - in short, for any body movement.

The knee joint is the largest joint in the human body and is composed of two parts. (Image: toricheks / fotolia.com)

The knee joint is composed of various bony and non-bony elements. The thighbone (Femur), or whose head end forms the upper joint part of the joint, while the shin (Tibia) forms the lower part. Between these two bony sections of the joint lies the so-called meniscus - a half-moon-shaped cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and the tibia.

On the front, the knee joint is further from the kneecap (Patella) covered. The triangular bone acts as an additional lever for the extensor muscles of the thigh, giving the knee more flexibility. In addition, the knee joint serves as a protective surface for the joint, as it distributes all force in the area of ​​the knee evenly over the bone components.

Held and connected the kneecap, as well as the femoral head and the fibular head thereby numerous tendons and ligaments, which hold the bone components of the knee joint stable and at the same time freely movable in their position. There are also different muscles like that extensor (Quadriceps femoris muscle) and the flexor (Sartorius muscle), which control the respective knee movements.

Definition knee swelling

In view of the essential support and movement function of the knee joint, injuries and illnesses in this area are the more dangerous. For a swelling in particular is basically a Joint effusion responsible, where fluid accumulates in the knee. A distinction is made between three types of knee swelling:

1. hemarthrosis - The swelling is caused by accumulation of blood in the knee joint resulting from open wounds, such as injured vessels.
2. Hydathros - An accumulation of synovial fluid is the reason for the thick knee. The fluid comes from the cavity behind the joint capsule, which surrounds the head ends of the knee joint.
3. Pyarthros - The knee swelling is triggered by accumulation of pus in the joint, which forms among other things in the course of inflammatory processes and poorly healing wounds.

Regardless of the type of fluid accumulation, swelling of the knee joint, especially when prolonged and associated with other comorbidities such as knee pain, overheating, and redness, is not unfrequently a serious one Damage to the joint substance down.

A detailed diagnosis is extremely important in such a case, so as not to risk permanent loss of function of the knee. Also can often be determined only with the help of imaging measures of the exact cause of the swelling. Because the structure of the knee joint is complex and the complaint trigger is not always the same.

The most common reason for knee swelling is injury from falls, accidents, etc. (Image: Rawpixel.com/fotolia.com)

Injuries of the knee joint as the main cause

The most obvious cause of a swollen knee is any kind of injury to the knee joint. They can occur at any age and in any activity and are more or less dangerous depending on the actual impact on the knee. Slight bumps, as well as most twists or contortions due to slipping are usually not a cause for concern here. In such a case, the swelling is usually seen as a slight hydathrosis, as long as the joint capsule has been damaged in the course of the injury.

However, knee swelling may be more problematic when associated with falls from high altitude or very unfavorable fall angle. Here, in addition to extensive accumulations of synovial fluid and bloody hematoses can be the result. In addition, if inflammatory processes in the area of ​​joint injury are added, a pyathrosis can not be ruled out. Overall, especially the following knee injuries often lead to a swelling:

• bell (for example from the stairs or during sports)
• Knee twisted by slipping (e.g., on wet grass)
• shocks (for example due to work or household accidents)
• dull, external violence (for example in the context of physical arguments)
• Lesions due to short-term overload
• Ligament strains, strains and tears
• meniscus damage

Swelling in the knee area due to joint wear

Another, very common cause is arthrosis. Behind the term is a stress-related joint wear, which is quite normal in old age, but can occur at an inappropriate life or everyday life, even at a young age. In the course of age-related osteoarthritis due to natural degradation processes of the joint substance it comes to wear. As a result, usually the joint capsule is damaged, so that more and more joint fluid escapes and can accumulate freely in the knee.

In the case of premature knee osteoarthritis, on the other hand, lasting overuse of the knee joints is usually responsible for the signs of wear. The unnatural load leads in the long term to a successive decrease in cartilage tissue, which protects the bone ends. All in all, the causes of joint wear and tear are the following influencing factors.

• age-related signs of wear (Degeneration)
• persistent, heavy and knee-loading work (e.g., heavy lifting)
• excessive, knee-loading sports (for example jogging or sprinting)
• Deformations of the knee jointe (e.g., by X-legs or O-legs)
• sustained negative impact (for example, overweight or wrong footwear)
• repeated or badly healed knee injuries

In addition to swelling, associated with osteoarthritis are above all restricted mobility of the knees and postural problems. In addition, the progressive decline in cartilage tissue causes the bone ends to rub more and more (unsprung) on ​​each other, resulting in severe pain in movement. The permanent mechanical irritation also has the consequence that more often inflammations and joint effusions form, which in turn lead to repeated knee swelling.

Worth knowing: According to the German Osteoarthritis-Hilfe e.V., about 5 million people in Germany alone suffer from the symptoms of arthrosis. The disease is thus one of the most common causes of knee problems of any kind.

Arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease caused by germs or rheumatoid diseases. (Image: m3ron / fotolia.com)

Knee swelling due to arthritis

Gladly mistaken for osteoarthritis, another disorder of the knee joint: the arthritis. However, in contrast to joint wear, arthritis is an inflammation that, in addition to other body joints (e.g., shoulder, toe, foot, finger, and carpal joints) can also occur in the knee joint and, unlike osteoarthritis, occurs rather suddenly, ie acutely, instead of manifesting itself over a longer period of time. The medicine distinguishes it infectious arthritis from non-infectious disease processes, as exemplified by the Rheumatoid arthritis be put.

Infectious arthritis

In the case of arthritis, infectious processes can either develop directly via existing injury wounds on the knee, or trigger an inflammatory subsequent infection in the knee via the bloodstream via germ distribution. The number of possible infectious agents is very versatile and includes:

• bacteria (e.g., streptococci, staphylococci, tuberculosis and borreliosis bacteria)
• virus (e.g., hepatitis, measles, mumps, and red rot viruses)
• mushrooms (e.g., Candida mushrooms)

The swelling in infectious arthritis indicates a significant spread of pathogens in the knee. Purulent processes are not uncommon. In addition, if the infection is not corrected in a timely manner, it can lead to irreparable damage to the joint substance, with the soft cartilage mass of the meniscus and the joint capsule in particular being endangered.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (also known as chronic polyarthritis) is the leading cause of non-infectious arthritis and belongs to the circle of autoimmune diseases. Their causes are not yet fully understood, but it is known that it comes as a result of a malfunctioning immune system to destruction processes in the body's own tissue. The autoimmune process causes an increased immigration of misfired immune cells into the joints, which produce there pro-inflammatory messengers. As a result, there is a proliferation of the inner lining, which in turn leads to a degradation of the surrounding structures (Cartilage, bones, ligaments) leads.

Rheumatoid arthritis is particularly common between the ages of 40 to 60 years. But it can also arise in childhood and is then as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis designated. In addition, autoimmune diseases often appear socialized, that is, often suffers the sufferer of several diseases from the body of autoimmune diseases. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the risk of contracting another autoimmune disease affecting another organ system is particularly high. It is therefore advisable to investigate the diagnosis for other autoimmune-induced diseases, including:

• bowel disease (Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis, gluten allergy or celiac disease)
• skin diseases (Psoriasis, lupus erythematosus)
• thyroid disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
• lung disease (Sarcoidosis)

Other arthritis

In addition to arthritis, an inflamed swollen knee can also by a Housemaid's knee (Bursitis) be caused. The causes range from pre-infection to injuries to prolonged knee overuse. Especially knee-high sports such as wrestling, kickboxing and ice hockey, where there are constant body checks that require a firm footing, carry a high risk of bursitis.

Also can not be excluded tendinitis as a reason for the inflammatory knee swelling. If it is triggered by existing pre-existing conditions, one speaks here of one tendinitis. However, infringement and over-claims scenarios are also conceivable as a cause.

Bursitis on the knee can cause a strong, painful swelling. (Image: TANABOON / fotolia.com)

Swollen knee due to gout

Gout belongs to the group of forms of metabolic disorders and refers to chronic disorders in the field of uric acid metabolism. Here, due to illness, there is an increase in uric acid in the blood, which the body initially tries to compensate for by the increased formation of uric acid crystals. The crystals are then deposited mainly in distal joints such as toe, finger or knee joints.

If a large number of uric acid crystals are stored in the joints as a result of a seizure, for example, after a sumptuous meal or excessive consumption of alcohol, a so-called gout attack occurs, which manifests itself in swelling, redness and pain in the affected joint. The most common of these is the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is affected by an acute attack of gout. But even in the knee joints such seizures can cause enormous swelling.

Diagnosis with swollen knee

Usually, the swelling in the knee itself can be determined by mere gaze diagnosis. For the cause research then usually further investigation measures are necessary. An anamnesis of existing eating habits, leisure and professional activities as well as possible accident scenarios in the near past can already help to substantiate a first suspicion. Existing pre-existing conditions should also be mentioned in order to clarify possible infectious or rheumatoid courses.

Following the patient survey, imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance therapy, are commonly used (MRT) or X-ray, with the help of which degeneration processes and joint injuries can be visualized. Tendon, cartilage and capsule tears can also be displayed so well. In order to be able to determine the accumulation of fluid in the knee more accurately, doctors also usually perform a knee puncture. If necessary, a blood test is performed to identify possible inflammatory markers, autoantibodies or rheumatoid signs.

Therapy for a knee swelling

Of course, the treatment measures for knee swelling depend entirely on the causes and can therefore be designed very differently. Nevertheless, a swollen knee is always associated with pain and a functional impairment, which is why you can not go wrong, if you take an acute measure in a swelling occurring at the PECH Rule holds. This states the following:

• P for break: In order to protect the knee and minimize the stress on the joint, exercise should be stopped immediately in the course of a swelling-promoting. Basically, the knee is a temporary break during swelling events. That is, movements and weight loads should only be done in an emergency.
• E for ice cream: Cold weather can prevent swelling from spreading and reduce inflammation. The formation of bruises can be successfully prevented. Because of the low temperatures, the vessels constrict, which prevents tissue fluid from escaping and also retains inflammatory or swelling-promoting messengers. In addition, a cooling treatment can temporarily reduce the pain.
• C for compression: Pressure from the outside, for example by an elastic bandage or a fabric rail, can also minimize spreading of the swelling. In addition, a dressing does not help the damaged knee joint too much. It should therefore be best to create a compression bandage.
• H for high camps: The elevation of the knee joint activates the lymph channels. Swelling may be further reduced as fluids entering the joint (e.g., blood and tissue fluid) are better transported away.

Please note: The method described above is only for quick self-help. For smaller injuries, such as a slight twisting of the knee joint, it is often sufficient to carry them out for a few hours. But if fat knees without externally recognizable reason, cause severe pain and not declining functional limitations, the complaints are always in medical care.

Immediate cooling can, according to the PECH rule, prevent the spread of swelling on the knee joint and relieve pain. (Image: Dan Race / fotolia.com)

Medical therapy

Minor injuries without loss of function can be well treated with analgesics. Often they are used in tablet or ointment form as an acute therapy. For example, Voltaren or Diclofenac, but also Paracetamol or Ibuprofen are used.

Medication for osteoarthritis and arthritis:
Painkillers are also used for arthritis and arthritis. On the one hand they should reduce severe pain peaks, on the other hand they should also protect against further stress and reduce possible inflammations. In infectious arthritis, drugs are also used to control the pathogens. For example, therapeutic measures in the form of antibiotic therapy are conceivable.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with cortisone-containing preparations, as these inhibit the inflammatory response and progression of joint destruction. In particularly severe cases, the active ingredients are then introduced via special injection techniques by syringe directly into the joint.

The early form of osteoarthritis can be slowed down in its progression by hyaloron injections. Hyaluronic acid is needed by the body to build up cartilage. However, hyaluronic acid can only achieve an effect if enough of the body's own cartilage is still present in the joint.

Medicines for gout:
The acute treatment of a gout attack also aims at pain reduction, which is why anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving preparations are used. Long-term treatment is about keeping uric acid levels low. This can sometimes be done by changing the diet, but it can be further supported by the long-term use of medications such as allopurinol, which keep the uric acid level low.

nutritional intervention

The diet of gout to avoid acute attacks and thus increased joint swelling, provides primarily a reduction of food, which increase the production of uric acid in the body. These include, among others, animal foods high in purine, such as fatty fish, dairy products (for example butter, yoghurt, cheese and of course milk), Eggs, offal, poultry, goose and pork.

But also in the field of plant foods, purine-containing products are numerous. Starting with yeast products such as legumes such as peas, beans and lentils, to cabbage, rhubarb, asparagus and spinach, a variety of foods should be consumed with care. In addition, heavy alcohol consumption is not expected if uric acid levels are to be kept as low as possible. With regard to yeast products, beer consumption is not recommended.

For knee problems due to obesity, a weight reduction should be aimed for. In addition to proper nutrition, regular exercise plays a central role. (Image: pressmaster / fotolia.com)

To strengthen the joints and keep them fit, certain nutrients are of particular importance. For example, in the case of food oils, use should be made of virgin olive oil, as it contains the extremely valuable vitamin E for the joints. Whole-grain products also help with their numerous minerals and trace elements are beneficial for the knee.

If being overweight has resulted in more knee strain and associated knee problems, a proper diet to reduce body weight is of course also high on the list. The less the knees are stressed by excessive pounds, the more it can be burdened again by the demands of daily life and stress-related swelling can be avoided.

All in all, swelling of the knee joint, whether due to illness or injury, is recommended for a low-fat and sugar-free diet that contains few animal products, but all the more fruits, harmless vegetables and hydration.

Home remedies and lifestyle changes

In addition to the PECH rule already described above for swollen knees, further private measures are even feasible. The cooling and compression treatment can be extended, for example, with cabbage rolls. Whether osteoarthritis, arthritis or sports injury, a pad with fresh, soft-tipped cabbage or savoy cabbage on the affected knee has both anti-inflammatory and decongestant, as well as pain-relieving, toxin-depriving and agility.

Tip: The cabbage rolls can also be used over a longer period every now and then in periods of rest, for example after work. Because the good thing about this home remedy is that its effect does not abate and you can not overdose.

Other self-help measures that can be taken to alleviate the discomfort include moderate exercise, as strong muscles support the joints. However, the movement units should not last, but take place after the acute phase, since the tissue pressure is still too large immediately after the formation of a swelling. Another positive effect on treatment, as well as the prevention of knee swelling, is the absence of tobacco. The substances contained in tobacco (especially nicotine) namely are suspected to fire rheumatoid arthritis.

Medicinal herbal treatment

In the field of medicinal herbs especially comfrey is recommended. The plant has not been given its name for nothing, as it is famous for its healing properties in all forms of leg health problems. Even the healing of bone fractures can reliably accelerate comfrey. When it comes to a swollen knee, the ingredients of the medicinal herb are decongestant, promote healing and anti-inflammatory. Comfrey is best used as an additive for envelopes or as a herbal ointment, which is available in every pharmacy.

Comfrey has a decongestant effect, relieves inflammation and helps with injury-related pain in the knee. (Image: H. Brauer / fotolia.com)

Another medicinal plant, which is often used for knee problems and general joint complaints and sports injuries of any kind, is the arnica. It has analgesic, decongestant and anti-inflammatory and can be used as comfrey locally as an ointment or an envelope. Spruce, camphor, pine and devil's claw are also recommended for heavy knees.

Operational measures

If drug therapy and the use of nutritional, herbal and home remedies are not sufficient, surgery for knee swelling is often the last resort to save the joint from permanent damage. Especially with ligament ruptures or meniscal tears the question of the necessity of an OP often does not arise. Because these structures are under tension right in the area of ​​the knee joint, they will not regrow together by immobilization and pain alone, as is the case with some bone fractures. Here, a careful surgical fixation of the joint elements must take place.

The discharge of wound fluid must also be performed surgically with the help of a drainage. This has the purpose to take the swelling pressure from the affected knee joint. This is particularly necessary in cases of extensive co-injury of blood vessels and extreme accumulations of pus or tissue fluid. Otherwise, a supply shortage of the vessels could arise due to pressure-related blockages.

In sports injuries as a cause, surgical treatment aims to restore the original intact condition, although this goal can not always be achieved. As a result of the progressing disease process, osteoarthritis and arthritis patients also come to the point of having to think about an OP at some point. Unfortunately, the OP no longer aims to restore the original state. Rather, it is about reducing pain as a result of joint destruction or replace damaged joints by the use of prostheses.

Health complaints in knee swelling: Knee injuries, knee dislocation, falls, bumps, sprain, trauma, meniscal damage, osteoarthritis, arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, tendon excursion, tendon rupture, gout. (Ma)