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What Causes Swelling And Pain In Knees?
Question: I'm an active 69 yr. old female. I went for a walk & the next morning my left knee was swollen & painful (on the inside) . Do I NEED to see a doc? I'm sure it's just old age. I plan on wearing a knee brace whenever I do any walking.
Advice?
Advice?
Brief Answer:
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Can you please attach a picture of it so I can give more precise answer?
If the swelling is on the whole knee, fluid collection and inflammation is the most probable reason.
If the swelling is behind the knee, Bakers cyst is the most probable reason. You should be able to palpate a lump behind the knee. Such cyst has a connection with knee joint and is filled with joint fluid.
In case of fluid in the knee, you should visit a doctor and have it drained. This should not wait.
Bakers cyst also needs doctors consult, but not right away, this can wait.
In both cases Orthopedist should be visited.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Can you please attach a picture of it so I can give more precise answer?
If the swelling is on the whole knee, fluid collection and inflammation is the most probable reason.
If the swelling is behind the knee, Bakers cyst is the most probable reason. You should be able to palpate a lump behind the knee. Such cyst has a connection with knee joint and is filled with joint fluid.
In case of fluid in the knee, you should visit a doctor and have it drained. This should not wait.
Bakers cyst also needs doctors consult, but not right away, this can wait.
In both cases Orthopedist should be visited.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor,
The swelling seems to be mostly on the inner knee.
I took pics, but can't seem to send them to you. SORRY
The swelling seems to be mostly on the inner knee.
I took pics, but can't seem to send them to you. SORRY
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
Its hard to give straight answer not seeing it. So the swelling has not affected whole knee. Than it seems to be caused by knee ligament inflammation.
There is also one more possibility. If you have varicose veins, inner knee is where main superficial vein is located. Vein thrombosis can also give such swelling. You should have hardness, redness and pain in this area. The leg should be warmer than the other one. The pain should be more intense when walking.
For sure you should see orthopedist. If vein thrombosis seems rather not the reason, you may wait and see if the swelling is getting larger or not. If not, and the pain and swelling will subside, no need to visit a doctor.
That the best I can answer not being able to see it.
Regards.
.
Detailed Answer:
Its hard to give straight answer not seeing it. So the swelling has not affected whole knee. Than it seems to be caused by knee ligament inflammation.
There is also one more possibility. If you have varicose veins, inner knee is where main superficial vein is located. Vein thrombosis can also give such swelling. You should have hardness, redness and pain in this area. The leg should be warmer than the other one. The pain should be more intense when walking.
For sure you should see orthopedist. If vein thrombosis seems rather not the reason, you may wait and see if the swelling is getting larger or not. If not, and the pain and swelling will subside, no need to visit a doctor.
That the best I can answer not being able to see it.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doc,
Can you give me an email address or a phone number so I can get these pics to you?
AND, would it be the proper thing to wear a brace when walking a bit of a distance?
Can you give me an email address or a phone number so I can get these pics to you?
AND, would it be the proper thing to wear a brace when walking a bit of a distance?
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
I am not allowed to give you my personal email here. But you can send the picture to YYYY@YYYY and mark it for query no 122573.
Its hard to tell if you should wear a brace not being sure what is the exact reason.
Regards.
.
Detailed Answer:
I am not allowed to give you my personal email here. But you can send the picture to YYYY@YYYY and mark it for query no 122573.
Its hard to tell if you should wear a brace not being sure what is the exact reason.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. Stanko,
I DID send you 2 pictures of my left knee & am awaiting your reply.
I DID send you 2 pictures of my left knee & am awaiting your reply.
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
I am rally sorry but I didnt get any photos.
.
Detailed Answer:
I am rally sorry but I didnt get any photos.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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