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What Causes Knee Swelling After Knee Arthroscopy?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Question: I had knee surgery 3 years ago, basic , Arthroscopic. Two days ago I woke up my knee was swollen, and the area above was tight, and very sore. I took a muscle relaxer and it helped, but once I get up and use the leg, it swells really bad again. I can tell there is fluid on it, and the kneed cap looks dis-colored.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be knee synovitis with fluid collection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.I think you are having knee synovitis. In this condition knee cartilage is damaged and fluid get collected in the knee leading to pain and restricted mobility. I would like to suggest you following.
1.There is no role of muscle relaxer in this.
2.Avoid squatting, sitting cross leg or stair case.
3.Take Etoricxib 90 mg tablet once daily.
4.Ice application and compression bandage can help.
5.Aspirtion of fluid and steroid injection can be tried.
If pain is increasing get a knee x ray in standing position. It will tell us if there is knee arthritis is also present. If arthritis is present than you need to take opinion of bone and joint doctor.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 minutes later)

Thank you for your quick reply. I did notice and ice pack helped with the pain, and some of the swelling, but I can't keep it up all the time.
I sit a lot at work, but do some walking when required. I am hoping to see the doctor that did the surgery to see if he would be able to see me and evaluate it. I just feel like a whiner b/c I haven't had any trouble for so long. Thank you again. Is the Etoricxib by RX only.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need a x ray first

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if still there is pain and swelling then you can get x ray of the knee joint in standing position. It will give us idea if you need any surgery or not. Arthroscopic surgery is of not useful for you.Surgical option are either high tibial osteotomy or knee replacement surgery. You can discuss about this with your doctor.
Etoricoxib can be taken by doctor's prescription only.
Please send me x rays of the knee. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

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