Suggest Treatment For Painful Swelling In Knee

Posted on Mon, 17 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. About four years ago I hurt my knee. There was a pop, and it swelled. It didn't get much better until about a year later. I still wear a knee brace, it gives me trouble pretty often. I was running about five days ago, and it slipped again. There was a lot of pain, a sharp pain that lasted for 15 minutes or so. But now my knee feels really tight, and it doesn't want to bend or straighten very easily. It doesn't really hurt much, but is uncomfortable. Anything I should do, or any ideas what is wrong with it? Thanks. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Meniscus tear

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care questions

You recently hurt you knee and it sounds like you have fluid now inside your knee. this fluid is making the knee stiff and difficult to bed. The fluid will eventually resolve so you don't need to do anything at this time. If the swelling worsens you can go to your doctor who can remove the fluid with a syringe.

You should probably see your doctor for MRI to see if you tore the meniscus. This is the cartilage inside the knee. It may need arthroscopic surgery to trim the tear.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar