How to Take Care of Knee Joint Swelling and Inflammation?

Knee joint swelling and inflammation can occur due to various factors, some of which can be looked after at home while others require medical intervention. Mild to moderate knee swelling can be usually treated at home with a Knee Therapy Wrap while a persistently swollen and painful knee joint should receive immediate medical attention.

Knee Joint Swelling and Inflammation Causes.

Injury, including sprain, strain, tendinitis, and torn cartilage, is the most common cause of knee swelling and inflammation. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament that occurs because of a twisting or forceful impact on the knee. Strain also is the same thing and is usually caused by sudden twisting of the knee joint. Sometimes knee joint swelling is caused by inflammation of a tendon, and the condition is termed tendinitis. It is often a result of the overuse of the knee joint from activities, including cycling, jumping, and running.

Prepatellar bursitis is a medical term used for defining the swelling of the kneecap’s bursae (fluid-filled sacs that prevent friction within a joint). They become inflamed because of excessive pressure, injury and infection and start producing excess fluid that leads to swelling of the joint. This condition results in rapid swelling of the knee front, pain while doing activities, and redness and warmth around the knee. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are also common causes of knee joint swelling and inflammation. Besides visible swelling, these conditions result in joint pain and stiffness, weakness of the muscles surrounding the knee joint, clicking or cracking sounds, limited range of motion, and development of bone spurs.

Ways to Reduce Knee Joint Swelling and Inflammation.

As mentioned above, it is always good to seek immediate medical help if the inflammation and swelling in the knee joint persist. On the other hand, you can try out these effective following ways to reduce or get rid of mild or moderate knee joint pain and swelling at home.

1. Resting

Giving rest to a painful and swollen knee joint can be the best home remedy you can try. You just have to avoid weight-bearing exercises and activities that caused joint swelling and inflammation for a minimum of 24 hours. By doing so, you would give your knee joint some time to heal and recover. However, don’t keep the joint fully immobile for long, as it can worsen the discomfort. You can continue with gentle straightening and stretching of the joint to keep it as flexible as possible.

2. Elevation

The elevation is another important step that those suffering from knee joint inflammation and swelling must take. While resting, such people should keep their affected leg elevated above the level of their heart. This would reduce blood flow to the knee joint and alleviate swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. Normal home cushions and pillows can be used, but special leg elevation pillows should be bought for ensuring proper leg elevation. They are specially designed for providing firm and comfortable support to the knee joint and leg.

3. Compression

Compression is another effective remedy for reducing knee joint swelling and discomfort. You can use a simple elastic bandage or quality knee therapy wrap for wrapping and compressing the affected part appropriately.

4. Icing

Icing the swollen knee area can effectively reduce the swelling and numb the pain and discomfort associated. You can repeat the process twice or thrice a day, but without applying a cold compress for over 20 minutes in one go. Also, never put an ice pack directly over the skin. Always use a towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent skin damage.