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Knee Swelling: A Symptom of Osteoarthritis
Knee swelling, often a telltale sign of osteoarthritis (OA), can transform your once-reliable knee into a source of constant worry and limitation. OA, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative disease that wears down the protective cartilage in your joints. In the knee, this wear and tear can lead to inflammation, fluid buildup, and ultimately, swelling. This unwelcome symptom can make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, and even enjoy simple activities like sitting for long periods. However, understanding the link between knee swelling and OA is the first step towards effectively managing this condition and reclaiming your comfort.
Knee Swelling Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of knee swelling is the swelling itself. The entire knee joint becomes noticeably thicker and rounder, often affecting the area above and below the kneecap and the sides of the joint. Other symptoms of knee swelling may include:
- Crackling or grating sensation
- Gradual Inflammation and swelling
- Pain and discomfort
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness
- Warmth and redness
- Weakness and Instability
Knee Swelling Causes
One of the most common causes of knee swelling is osteoarthritis, which causes the cartilage in the knee joint to break down. However, knee swelling can also be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from minor injuries to chronic conditions. Here are some of the other most common causes:
- ACL or PCL injury
- Baker’s cyst
- Bursitis
- Fracture
- Infection
- Obesity
- Overuse
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sprains and strains
- Tendonitis
- Torn meniscus
How Does Osteoarthritis Cause Knee Swelling?
Osteoarthritis can contribute to knee swelling in two main ways: inflammation and swelling. As the cartilage in your knee joint wears down, the underlying bone is exposed and irritated. This irritation triggers an inflammatory response, causing the body to release chemicals that increase blood flow and fluid build-up in the joint, creating swelling in the knee. In response to the damage and inflammation, your body may try to stabilize the joint by forming bone spurs called osteophytes. These bony bumps can irritate surrounding tissues and compress the joint capsule, leading to swelling. The severity of the disease can also influence knee swelling in osteoarthritis since the extent of cartilage damage and inflammation directly affects the degree of swelling.
As a result of osteoarthritis of the knee, you may experience different types of swelling. Soft tissue swelling is the most common type, caused by inflammation and fluid buildup. Your knee may feel squishy and tender to the touch. Hard swelling is caused by the formation of bone spurs, which can make the knee feel stiff and bumpy. It’s important to remember that knee swelling in osteoarthritis can vary from person to person and fluctuate depending on activity levels and other factors.
Knee Swelling Treatment
If you are experiencing knee swelling and have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, our affiliated interventional radiologists at American Knee Pain Centers can help. Our specialists perform genicular artery embolization, a minimally invasive treatment that offers relief from knee pain and swelling, and recommend lifestyle modifications that can help you regain control of your life and reduce symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
If you’re experiencing knee swelling caused by osteoarthritis, your doctor may recommend various lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and improve the overall health of your joints. Some common lifestyle modifications are maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your knee joints, eating a balanced diet, low-impact exercises such as swimming to help improve joint flexibility and reduce knee pain, and wearing comfortable, supportive footwear to help reduce the strain on your knees.
GAE: Knee Replacement Alternative
Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an innovative and minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. GAE targets the genicular arteries responsible for supplying blood to the knee joint. By selectively blocking these arteries, GAE aims to reduce swelling, decrease pain, and enhance mobility by selectively blocking. It is a less invasive procedure than knee replacement surgery, resulting in fewer complications and a shorter recovery time.
What to Expect from Genicular Artery Embolization
Our Knee Pain Specialists
Our affiliated team at American Knee Pain Centers consists of board-certified interventional radiologists who are experts in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, ensuring you receive the highest level of care. Our affiliated knee pain specialists in New York and New Jersey utilize cutting-edge image-guided technology and genicular artery embolization to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your knee pain and swelling. At American Knee Pain Centers, we understand that every patient is unique, and our affiliated specialists tailor their approach to your individual needs and goals. You can find the following doctors at our NY and NJ offices.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Don’t let knee pain limit your life any longer! Schedule an appointment with our specialist to start your pain-free journey today.