Swollen knees: causes

Swollen knees are a reason to think about your health and make an appointment with a doctor. This sign can indicate the presence of various diseases - from arthritis to bursitis.

Anatomy

Before to find out, why knees swell up, let's recollect, how they are arranged. The knee joint on all sides is covered with an articular bag, which, in turn, consists of the outer and inner membranes. On the outer shell there are peculiar mucous formations - they help reduce friction (since all the moving parts of the human skeleton are in constant interaction with each other). These mucous "pouches" are filled with liquid and perform the function of shock absorbers: they are located between rubbing surfaces, minimizing the risk of their damage to each other.

Edema

According to doctors, the vast majority of articular diseases are accompanied by edema. Thus, swollen knees are a sign of a serious problem. Edema can be invisible to an outsider's eye, and can reach very large sizes. Often it is accompanied by aching pain, general weakness and a characteristic creaking that occurs when moving. In especially neglected cases, it becomes difficult for a person to perform some physical exercises (sit down, go down and climb stairs) and even just walk. Some patients complain that swollen knees react to weather changes.

Possible reasons

Among the most common causes of a tumor, doctors call bursitis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the mucous bags. Typical symptoms of bursitis are swelling and swelling in the region of the diseased knee. The skin on the affected area changes color from pale pink to scarlet. Most often, inflammation is caused by excessive physical exertion. The problem is that the articular bags can be flattened and gradually inflamed. This provokes the production of excess fluid. These surpluses simply do not have time to be absorbed back, as a result - the bag grows in size, the joint swells, the person experiences severe pain.

Treatment

If the swollen knees are caused by bursitis, it is necessary to immediately consult a specialist and begin treatment. Do you have such an opportunity for any reason? Then wear the fixative bandages and take anti-inflammatory drugs. For some time this will remove unpleasant symptoms. But as soon as you can, immediately visit the doctor.

Arthritis

The common cause of the tumor is arthritis. This disease, as a rule, develops against the background of infections and previous injuries. It should be noted that arthritis requires a long and complex treatment, the main purpose of which is to improve metabolic processes in the body.

Injuries

Of course, most of the above diseases are observed in people in old age. If the child has swollen knee, most likely, the reason for the injury. Perhaps the baby fell, hit or stretched the leg. Apply ice to the swelling, and pretty soon it will disappear.