What Causes Swelling And Fluid Retention In Knees?

Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2014

Question: Swelling in my knees. Fluid accumilating and loss in range of motion. Pain in the joint of the knee. Occurred after some up and down ladder work.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It seems to be synovitis knee.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.

From your description and image provided, it seems to be synovitis knee. It occurs when the synovial membrane which lines and lubricates the knee joint, becomes inflamed.

The following measures will help you-
- REST- Reduce regular exercise or activities of daily living as needed.
- ICE COMPRESSION over the painful area once in 2-3 hours
- Wrap an ELASTIC COMPRESSION BANDAGE around the area to reduce the swelling.
- Elevate your leg on a cushion or a pillow while you are lying or sitting down
- Use analgesic anti-inflammatory medications like Advil or Aleve to reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Once the severity of pain decreases, Gradual and mild stretching activities of the knee are begun.

If your symptoms are not getting better with the above measures, I suggest you to consult an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.

I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (14 minutes later)

This is not the first time it has happened. Is there a link between synovitis knee and osteoarthritis?

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Link between synovitis knee and osteoarthritis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There is link between synovitis knee and osteoarthritis .Synovitis may be caused by another condition, such as arthritis or gout, or may develop on its own. It may also be caused by an injury to the knee joint or cancer. For this reason it is important that suspected cases of synovitis are investigated thoroughly.

Wishing you good health.

Warm regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saurabh Gupta (11 hours later)

Thankyou, i have a feeling it is arthritis, however i do also have some bumps under the skin forming all around my thighs and around the joint where they meet the groin. This is most likely a sports related hernia but I feel that since they are present whether or not i am exercising for weeks at a time that it could be something cancer related. I know I need to just physically go see a doctor but I'd like to know what you think first.

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These bumps under the skin could be lymph nodes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

These bumps under the skin could be lymph nodes. I suggest you to get it simply examined by your doctor.

Wishing you good health.

Warm regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar