What Causes Knee Pain and Swelling?

March 9, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's

Knee Pain and Swelling

Knee pain and swelling can be caused by various factors, including injuries, medical conditions, and overuse. Here are some common causes:

  • Injuries:
    • Sprains and Strains: Overstretching or tearing ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) around the knee can lead to pain and swelling.
    • Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a cartilage in the knee, and tears can occur due to sudden twisting or overuse, causing pain and swelling.
    • ACL or PCL Injuries: Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) can result from sports injuries or traumatic events.
  • Osteoarthritis:
    • Degenerative Joint Disease: Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, especially in older adults. It involves the breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis:
    • Autoimmune Disorder: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the synovium (lining of the joints), leading to inflammation, pain, and swelling.
  • Bursitis:
    • Inflammation of Bursae: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Inflammation of the bursae around the knee can cause pain and swelling.
  • Tendonitis:
    • Inflammation of Tendons: Overuse or repetitive motions can lead to inflammation of the tendons around the knee, causing pain and swelling.
  • Gout:
    • Uric Acid Crystals: Gout occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, leading to inflammation and intense pain.
  • Infections:
    • Septic Arthritis: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to septic arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint.
  • Ligament Injuries:
    • MCL or LCL Injuries: Injuries to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) can occur due to trauma, causing pain and swelling.
  • Patellar Tendinitis:
    • Inflammation of Patellar Tendon: Overuse or repetitive stress on the patellar tendon (which connects the kneecap to the shinbone) can cause pain and swelling.
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS):
    • Inflammation of IT Band: ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running along the outside of the thigh, becomes inflamed, leading to knee pain and swelling.
  • Lupus:
    • Autoimmune Disorder: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune condition that can affect joints, causing pain and inflammation.
  • Obesity:
    • Excess Weight: Being overweight can contribute to knee pain and swelling by putting extra stress on the joints.
  • Dislocation or Fracture:
    • Trauma: A dislocated kneecap or a fracture in the bones around the knee can cause severe pain and swelling.

If you are experiencing persistent knee pain and swelling, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, medications, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.

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