Causes of Knee Swelling

Knee Injury and Trauma

Trauma to the knee bones, ligaments, tendons, menisci, or joint cartilage results in pain and swelling. A new injury causes blood to enter the joint, resulting in noticeable bruising, stiffness, warmth, and swelling. This condition, known as “hemarthrosis,” requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Patients should see a doctor right away if knee pain is severe, the knee cannot bear weight, or a bone fracture is suspected.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Deterioration and wear of the knee joint cartilage can result in excessive joint fluid production and subsequent knee swelling. Knee swelling caused by osteoarthritis is usually accompanied by pain.

Infectious and Non-Infectious Bursitis

Small, thin fluid-filled sacs called bursae exist throughout the body and naturally protect the joints. Inflammation and excess fluid accumulation in the bursae of the knee lead to swelling and fluid buildup in this joint.

Gout

A gout attack is defined as the painful accumulation of tiny uric acid crystals in the joint. Knee swelling in this case sometimes appears suddenly and is usually accompanied by excruciating pain, redness, and warmth of the knee.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the thin membrane lining the joints, which can be accompanied by redness, inflammation, pain, stiffness, and knee swelling. Symptoms tend to appear on both sides of the body, so if the right knee is affected, the left knee is also likely to be affected.

Tumor

A benign or malignant tumor is also, in rare cases, a cause of knee swelling.

Symptoms Accompanying Knee Swelling

Naturally, knee swelling leads to enlargement of the joint; this swelling is usually rooted in an inflammatory process or injury to the joint or its surrounding structures. Joint swelling is generally accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness, pain, redness, warmth, and a significant reduction in the knee's range of motion. Depending on its exact cause, knee swelling may occur in one or both knees. Osteoarthritis is also a common cause of fluid buildup in the knee.

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