[56F] With acute knee swelling and pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your knee swelling include:

• Osteoarthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that often affects older adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, often following periods of inactivity or excessive use.

  • Treatment typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications to manage pain and inflammation.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain and damage throughout your body. The joint damage usually occurs on both sides of your body. So if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too.

  • Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage.

• Bursitis: This is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near your joints. Bursitis occurs when bursae become inflamed.

  • Treatment typically involves resting and protecting the affected area, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and physical therapy.

• Gout: This is a type of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joint, causing the inflammation and intense pain of a gout attack. Gout can also cause swelling in the joints.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to treat and prevent gout attacks.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible causes, and you should seek medical attention for a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Try to avoid putting weight on your knee as much as possible. This can help reduce inflammation and speed up your recovery.
2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
3. Compression: Wear a compression bandage or knee brace to help reduce swelling and provide support to your knee.
4. Elevation: Try to keep your knee elevated as much as possible. This can help reduce swelling.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Inability to move the knee
• Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, and warmth in the knee area
• If your knee is visibly deformed or you can't bear weight on it

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.