Sudden knee swelling is often associated with injuries from falls, blows, or sports activities. However, in some cases, the knee can swell without any clear history of injury. This condition can certainly be concerning, especially if accompanied by pain or difficulty moving.
Knee swelling without injury can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from joint inflammation to fluid buildup within the knee joint. Therefore, it's important to identify the possible causes so that appropriate treatment can be provided.
Causes of Swollen Knees Without Injury
Here are some conditions that can cause swollen knees even if there is no injury:
1. Fluid Accumulation in the Knee Joint
Knee swelling often occurs due to fluid buildup in the knee joint. This condition is known as knee effusion and can be caused by inflammation, infection, or joint disorders.
2. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by the thinning of cartilage in the joints. This condition often affects adults and the elderly and can cause knee pain, stiffness, and swelling.
3. Uric Acid
High levels of uric acid in the body can cause crystal deposits to build up in the joints, including the knees. This can lead to swelling, pain, redness, and a burning sensation in the knees.
4. Arthritis
Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause knee swelling without any injury. This condition occurs due to inflammation of the joint lining.
5. Joint Infection
In some cases, knee swelling can be caused by a joint infection. This condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as severe pain, fever, and a warm feeling in the knee to the touch.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Swollen knees without injury need more attention if they are accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Increasingly severe pain
- Knee feels warm or red
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Knees feel stiff when moved
- Fever or feeling unwell
If these symptoms appear, you should immediately undergo a medical examination to determine the cause.
How to Maintain Healthy Knee Joints
To help maintain knee health and reduce the risk of joint complaints, the following steps can be taken:
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Regularly do physical activities that do not put excessive stress on the knees.
- Avoid sitting or squatting for too long
- Stretching before and after exercise
When Should You See a Doctor?
If knee swelling doesn't improve within a few days, gets bigger, or is accompanied by pain that interferes with activities, you should consult an orthopedic specialist immediately. Further examination is necessary to determine the exact cause and determine appropriate treatment.
With proper diagnosis and early treatment, various knee joint problems can be managed more effectively so that daily activities can still be carried out comfortably.
Article written by Dr. Othdeh Samuel, Sp.OT, FICS, Subsp PL (K), AIFO-K (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Hip & Knee Subspecialist, EMC Pekayon & Cibitung Hospital).