Orthopedist Questions Orthopedist

When should I worry about knee swelling?

My knee is swollen. What should I do? Should I see a doctor?

4 Answers

Yes. You should see a physician
If your knee is swollen, it's a sign of inflammation, which could be due to a variety of reasons, such as injury, infection, or an underlying medical condition. If you sustained an injury or the swelling is accompanied by severe pain, difficulty bearing weight, or a feeling of instability, you should see a doctor.

If the swelling is not severe and there is no other alarming symptom, you may try some at-home treatments, such as resting the affected knee, applying ice packs, and keeping the leg elevated. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also help alleviate pain and swelling. However, it's still recommended that you see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the swelling and to get appropriate treatment.
If the swelling lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks see an orthopedic surgeon
Sooner is better. It is swollen for a reason. Seek help.