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Suggest Treatment For Leg Swelling Above Knee
Question: My mother has recently got some swelling in her one leg, just above her knee , on lower part of thigh, the doctor is saying that fluid is concentrated over there. Her age is around 55. What is this problem? Why is that happened? What are the consequences? External surgery is required to remove that fluid ?
Brief Answer:
Orthopedic Surgeon's opinion and an MRI
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read your history about your 55 years old Mother and understood the problem She has.
The Doctor has already said that the fluid is accumulated at an area you have explained. This is just above the knee, on the lower part of the thigh.
Considering the age (55 years) and sex (female), your Mother may be suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This may be painless or painful. The knee joint has a covering for supplying fluid to the joint called a synovial membrane. Most of the patients with arthritis of the joint will have an inflammatory reaction of this synovial membrane. This happens naturally as the synovial membrane wants to provide more fluid for protection of the joint. The result is swelling as you have described.
This is called synovitis.
Consequences: This may remain the same if no treatment is given or may recede if the joint is immobilized for rest.
Normally no external Surgery is required to remove this type of fluid.
Rest to the joint, anti-inflammatory medicines under the guidance of an Orthopedic Surgeon can help for regression of such swelling.
I would advise you to consult an Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical examination, get a prescription for medicines and for an MRI of the knee joint for confirmation of the diagnosis and for planning the treatment.
I hope this answer helps you to understand the problem your Mother has, please feel free to ask for more if you need to and you may please rate this answer if you liked it.
Orthopedic Surgeon's opinion and an MRI
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read your history about your 55 years old Mother and understood the problem She has.
The Doctor has already said that the fluid is accumulated at an area you have explained. This is just above the knee, on the lower part of the thigh.
Considering the age (55 years) and sex (female), your Mother may be suffering from Osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This may be painless or painful. The knee joint has a covering for supplying fluid to the joint called a synovial membrane. Most of the patients with arthritis of the joint will have an inflammatory reaction of this synovial membrane. This happens naturally as the synovial membrane wants to provide more fluid for protection of the joint. The result is swelling as you have described.
This is called synovitis.
Consequences: This may remain the same if no treatment is given or may recede if the joint is immobilized for rest.
Normally no external Surgery is required to remove this type of fluid.
Rest to the joint, anti-inflammatory medicines under the guidance of an Orthopedic Surgeon can help for regression of such swelling.
I would advise you to consult an Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical examination, get a prescription for medicines and for an MRI of the knee joint for confirmation of the diagnosis and for planning the treatment.
I hope this answer helps you to understand the problem your Mother has, please feel free to ask for more if you need to and you may please rate this answer if you liked it.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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