Swollen knee: the best home remedies
The knee is a joint that is very stressed on a daily basis, since it is involved in all movements, starting with the most essential: walking. But it is not uncommon to suffer from the knees, or even to notice the appearance of oedemas. What can be the reasons for a swollen knee and above all, what to do?
Swollen knee: what can be the causes?
Traumatic cause
First of all, a swollen knee can be the result of trauma : you fell and landed on one or both knees, or you suffered an impact. In which case, it will be necessary to check that there is no fracture (meniscus, patella) or ligament rupture (such as the anterior cruciate).
Water retention
Then, if you notice bilateral swelling in the knees, it may be the result of fluid retention and/or bilateral venous insufficiency . The edema of the knees is then symmetrical, and can extend to the calves, even to the ankles. It is sometimes accompanied by feelings of paresthesia and heaviness in the legs . Palpation is not painful, but the swellings are bothersome. Note that the phenomenon of water retention is very common in pregnant women, and deserves the greatest attention, especially if it is associated with high blood pressure and proteinuria (risk of pre-eclampsia).
arthrosis
A swollen knee can also be a manifestation of an osteoarthritis flare-up . Osteoarthritis is a “mechanical” disease, due to a degradation of the cartilage, which serves as a “buffer” between the bones. When it wears out, the movement leads to pain. Thus, the push of osteoarthritis of the knee generally manifests itself after an effort. Osteoarthritis is progressive: the swelling varies in intensity and is of variable appearance. It may also be accompanied by an effusion of synovia. Synovial fluid is the “lubricant” of the joint. It is necessary for proper knee joint function. But it happens that it is produced in excess; an excess that will cause local inflammation. This is called hydrarthrosis .
Arthritis
Knee swelling can also be caused by arthritis . It is often confused with osteoarthritis, because the two pathologies have many points in common. Yet they are different: arthritis is actually an inflammation of the joints. It results in constant pain, even at rest . It is actually an inflammation of the synovial membrane, an elastic and fatty connective tissue forming the joint capsule of the knee. There are different types of arthritis:
- Aseptic arthritis , relatively benign and resulting only in swelling and pain in the knee.
- Microcrystalline arthritis , which is one of the symptoms of gout . Gout is a chronic disease, caused by a deposit of uric acid crystals on the joints. In which case the knee may be swollen, hot and prone to “throbbing” pain.
- Septic arthritis , serious because it is caused by bacteria (such as staphylococcus aureus). The knee will be swollen, red, hot and hypersensitive (a simple touch may be painful). The edema will be accompanied by a feverish state and fever. She requires prompt medical attention.
Benign cyst
Finally, a swollen knee can reflect the presence of a popliteal cyst (or Baker’s cyst). This is a benign but intriguing phenomenon. A small soft growth appears at the level of the popliteal fossa. Not painful on palpation, it is easily perceptible under the fingers and can cause discomfort when the leg is bent.
Swollen knee: how to treat?
If you suspect a benign condition (minor trauma, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, mild venous insufficiency, etc.), some home remedies can reduce the edema of your knee and possibly soothe the associated pain.
Remedy # 1 : Apply Ice and Rest
If you suspect tendon pain or have taken a knock on the knee, it is best to rest the joint. Knee tendonitis is often due to prolonged exertion. Also it is important to give the knee a recovery time. Applying ice can cause the knee to deflate and soothe some of the associated pain.
Remedy # 2 : Compression and/or knee brace
This second remedy is consecutive to the first. If you regularly suffer from tendinitis, and/or put a lot of strain on your knee ( sports such as volleyball, hiking , rowing, basketball, etc.), wearing a knee brace can help reduce pain attacks and swelling. If you are rather prone to venous insufficiency, which is manifested among other things by swollen knees, the regular wearing of compression stockings (or compression stockings) may be beneficial. Compression encourages good venous return and minimizes the inconvenience associated with venous insufficiency (heaviness, edema, paresthesia).
Remedy # 3 : Green Clay Poultice
Green clay applied as a poultice is a good natural alternative to local NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory gels or creams). It has the ability to “capture” inflammation and remineralize bones. Thus, applying green clay poultices is a good adjunctive treatment for a swollen knee, especially if this swelling is associated with a sprain, minor trauma or a flare-up of osteoarthritis.
Remedy # 4 : Phytotherapy
Certain plants are extremely beneficial for bone and joint health. Thus, in case of swollen knee, it is possible to resort to herbal medicine.
- White willow bark has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. To treat rheumatism of the knee, infusions or decoctions of white willow bark can be consumed for a few days.
- The curcumin present in turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can thus be used to reduce the swelling of a knee, both orally (capsules, addition of grated fresh turmeric or powdered spice in the diet) and dermal (turmeric poultice, balm based of shea butter and turmeric).
- Boswellia serrata has anti-arthritic properties. It is a tree from which the resin – incense – is extracted. It is generally consumed orally, in the form of capsules or capsules.
- Harpagophytum (or devil’s claw) is commonly used to relieve joint pain and promote muscle relaxation. Thus, a cure of capsules can be considered, if your knee is swollen due to a joint pathology.
- The essential oils of Copahu balm, lemon eucalyptus, camphor rosemary, balsam fir can also be used to make a soothing balm or oil. Its plants have calming and anti-inflammatory properties in case of rheumatism, elongations, sprains or neuralgia.
- Finally, if your knee edema is more due to water retention, veinotonic and/or draining plants ( red vine, horse chestnut, meadowsweet, nettle, etc.) can be of great help.
Remedy # 5 : Cold shower and elevation of the legs
If your knees, legs and ankles are swollen at the end of the day, due to heat, trampling, wearing too tight clothes or proven venous insufficiency , it is advisable to apply cold water. A jet of cold water, from bottom to top, can restart the venous pump. In addition, an elevation of the legs in the evening and at night can also help to smooth the veno-lymphatic circulation and thus reduce the edematous aspect of your knees.
Remedy # 6 : Massages
Finally, if the swelling in your knees is due to water retention, you can consider practicing regular self-massages. It is a question of unclogging the tissues and relaunching the lymphatic pump. We can therefore perform gentle smoothing movements starting from the ankles and going up towards the knees (in the direction of the popliteal lymph nodes), then from the knees towards the groins (in the direction of the inguinal lymph nodes).
Swollen knee: when to consult?
If, despite the use of various home remedies and lifestyle and dietary measures, your knee does not deflate, it is necessary to consult. Some signs should alert you:
- The knee is clearly deformed, in addition to being swollen.
- Your leg can no longer tolerate your weight, and standing up becomes impossible.
- If you have fever and localized redness in the swollen knee.
- Your leg, in addition to your knee, is painful on palpation and hot.
You can contact your doctor for an initial diagnosis. Depending on the cause of the swelling, he will refer you to the right specialist(s):
- A specialist in medical imaging, to possibly take x-rays and/or a CT scan of your knee.
- An angiologist, if he suspects a vascular cause (case of venous thrombosis or arteriopathy).
- A rheumatologist, if the reason is more related to an osteo-articular problem (infiltration, synovial puncture).
- A surgeon, if an operation is necessary (installation of a total knee prosthesis, removal of a popliteal cyst).
- A physiotherapist, in case of rheumatic pain or veno-lymphatic insufficiency (manual lymphatic drainage, pressotherapy).
- Another specialist (cardiologist, nephrologist, etc.) if it is water retention associated with heart or kidney failure, etc.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.