Have you noticed your knee increased in size? Or maybe a painful sensation has come about it? You may have a build-up of fluid in your knee, known as effusion. This is a swollen knee. While the initial changes you see may be minute, the knee is an important joint of your everyday movement, so getting help promptly is key. Visiting our staff at First Health Physical Therapy to get started in physical therapy in NYC Midtown is the first step to recovery!
What Is A Swollen Knee?
Swelling, or effusion, of the knee joint comes from fluid collecting in or around the joint. This buildup of fluid can be detected through a few symptoms:
- Swelling – the knee will become visibly puffy, and this is most apparent when comparing the swollen knee to the other one
- Stiffness – the fluid may make it difficult to fully extend or bend your leg
- Pain – the buildup can make putting pressure on your knee feel anything from uncomfortable to extremely painful
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care. There may be ways to reduce these symptoms at home, but it is always best to get proper diagnosis and instructions from a medical professional. Those who specialize in physical therapy in NYC Midtown are equipped to help you recover.
What Causes A Swollen Knee?
What makes swelling of the knee quite complicated is the extent of potential causes. Having a wide range of severity and recovery techniques, some of the most common causes of a swollen knee include:
- Irritation due to overuse of the joint
- Torn ACL or meniscus
- Broken or fractured bone
- Infection
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Arthritis:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – often causes inflammation around the joints
- Osteoarthritis – wears down cartilage at the ends of the bones
- Gout/Pseudogout – often causes pain and swelling of the joints
- Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs located at the joints
With these causes, it is important to also learn some preventative techniques. Increasing your awareness and bettering your health could help you avoid knee swelling completely. Here are some general tips:
- Staying at a healthy weight
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- Obesity can cause damage to your knees, so keeping off any excess weight will reduce this pressure
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- Building muscle
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- Strengthening the muscles around your knees will help lessen the pressure put on the joint
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- Engage in low-impact activities
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- Choosing activities like swimming will help reduce strain on your knees
Depending on your health and the severity of your condition, waiting more time to start treatment can be detrimental. While some of these causes may just call for rest, your knee will not show you this. For something like an infection of the knee, you need to get medical care as soon as possible. Your plan of action should always start with seeking immediate medical care.
Treatment Options
Just as there are many causes of a swollen knee, there are multiple treatment options that may work best for each recovery. Your doctor will consider both your knee and your personal medical history to find your ideal treatment. Some of the most common treatments used include:
- Physical Therapy – increases the strength and mobility of your knee
- Arthroscopy – a surgery in which a tube is inserted into the joint to repair it
- Arthrocentesis – a surgery in which fluid is removed from the knee
- Rest – taking time to limit the pressure put on the joint
- Compression – wrapping the knee to reduce its swelling
- Ice – placing ice on the knee to reduce swelling and pain. Elevating the knee while doing this is important.
- Over-the-counter Medications – taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief
Before starting any treatment, make sure you have consulted with your doctor. Talking with a professional in physical therapy in NYC Midtown will ensure that you are on an appropriate recovery path for your needs.
First Health Physical Therapy In NYC Midtown
No matter the cause of your knee swelling, getting started in physical therapy in NYC Midtown will help bring you to full recovery. Whether your injury calls for strengthening or you are recovering from knee surgery, our team at First Health Physical Therapy is here for you! Contact us to book an appointment!