Reduce Knee Swelling Fast: Your Guide to Quick Relief

Knee swelling is a common issue that affects millions of people around the globe.

This ailment can cause pain and discomfort of varying levels, and could even lead to limited mobility. 

That’s why it’s essential to address knee swelling right away to prevent further complications down the road.

But perhaps you or a loved one is wondering how to address this pain effectively. Well, you’ve come to the right place! 

In this article, we explore the common causes of knee swelling, effective home remedies, and medical treatments, including Genicular artery embolization (GAE), a safe and non-surgical option for lasting relief.

Common Causes of Knee Swelling

Knee swelling may be a common experience, but the sources of this swelling are not always the same. 

Knee swelling can be caused by various factors, including:

• Injuries, such as sprains, strains, or fractures[1]
• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout[2]
• Overuse or repetitive strain on the knee joint[3]
• Underlying medical conditions, such as infections, tumors, or blood clots[4]

Immediate Home Remedies

If you are experiencing knee swelling for the first time, home remedies are a great first step to address it. 

These remedies can help reduce the swelling and alleviate pain:

• “RICE:” Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation[5]
• Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area[6]
• Elevating the knee above the level of the heart[7]
• Using compression bandages or sleeves to reduce swelling[8]
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen[9]

Medical Treatments

If home remedies don’t provide relief, medical treatments can help reduce knee swelling. These include:

• Medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids[10]
• Physical therapy, including exercises and stretches to improve mobility and strength[11]
• Minimally invasive procedures, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell therapy[12]

But if you’re looking for a more long-term solution, read on.

Genicular Artery Embolization

Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, is a safe and effective non-surgical option for reducing knee swelling and alleviating pain.

GAE involves blocking the blood flow to the affected area, reducing inflammation and swelling.

GAE has several benefits, including:

• Reduced knee swelling and pain[13]
• Improved mobility and function[14]
• Minimally invasive procedure with minimal risk of complications[15]
• Can be performed on an outpatient basis[16]

This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who haven’t found relief with other treatments or are looking to avoid surgery.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening knee swelling, it’s essential to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to determine the underlying cause of the swelling[17].

Conclusion

Knee swelling can be a debilitating condition. However, there are several effective home remedies available.

And, if pain become more serious, there are several medical options as well. 

Genicular artery embolization is a safe and non-surgical option that can provide lasting relief from knee swelling and pain. If you’re experiencing knee swelling, don’t hesitate to connect with a medical professional to discuss your treatment options.

At Centers for Knee Pain, we specialize in providing non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, including GAE. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find relief from knee swelling and improving your overall quality of life.

Book your appointment today to explore treatment options and take the first step toward a pain-free life!

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Wondering if GAE is the right fit? Take our FREE Knee Quiz and find out!

Citations

1. Lee, B., Yoon, D., & Yim, J. (2024). Effects of an Early Exercise Program with Cryotherapy on Range of Motion, Pain, Swelling, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 1420.
2. Chen, P., Wang, L., Zhou, W., & Wang, L. (2024). Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 19, e0299008.
3. Castro, P., Barbosa, G., Machanocker, D., Peres, R., Cunha, T., Cunha, J.,… & Salvini, T. (2022). Clinical-like cryotherapy in acute knee arthritis of the knee improves inflammation signs, pain, joint swelling, and motor performance in mice. PLoS ONE, 17, e0261667.
4. Sobiech, M., Czępińśka, A., Zieliński, G., Zawadka, M., & Gawda, P. (2022). Does Application of Lymphatic Drainage with Kinesiology Taping Have Any Effect on the Extent of Edema and Range of Motion in Early Postoperative Recovery following Primary Endoprosthetics of the Knee Joint?. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11, 3456.
5. Sarı, Z., Aydoǧdu, O., Demirbüken, İ., Yurdalan, U., & Polat, G. (2017). FRI0770-HPR A better way to decrease knee swelling in patients with knee osteoarthritis: intermittent pneumatic compression – a randomized controlled clinical trial. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 76, 1509-1509.
6. Jarecki, J., Sobiech, M., Turżańska, K., Tomczyk-Warunek, A., & Jabłoński, M. (2021). A Kinesio Taping Method Applied in the Treatment of Postsurgical Knee Swelling after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10, 3992.
7. Lee, B., Yoon, D., & Yim, J. (2024). Effects of an Early Exercise Program with Cryotherapy on Range of Motion, Pain, Swelling, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 1420.
8. Chen, P., Wang, L., Zhou, W., & Wang, L. (2024). Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 19, e0299008.
9. Castro, P., Barbosa, G., Machanocker, D., Peres, R., Cunha, T., Cunha, J.,… & Salvini, T. (2022). Clinical-like cryotherapy in acute knee arthritis of the knee improves inflammation signs, pain, joint swelling, and motor performance in mice. PLoS ONE, 17, e0261667.
10. Sobiech, M., Czępińśka, A., Zieliński, G., Zawadka, M., & Gawda, P. (2022). Does Application of Lymphatic Drainage with Kinesiology Taping Have Any Effect on the Extent of Edema and Range of Motion in Early Postoperative Recovery following Primary Endoprosthetics of the Knee Joint?. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11, 3456.
11. Lee, B., Yoon, D., & Yim, J. (2024). Effects of an Early Exercise Program with Cryotherapy on Range of Motion, Pain, Swelling, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 1420.
12. Chen, P., Wang, L., Zhou, W., & Wang, L. (2024). Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 19, e0299008.
13. Sobiech, M., Czępińśka, A., Zieliński, G., Zawadka, M., & Gawda, P. (2022). Does Application of Lymphatic Drainage with Kinesiology Taping Have Any Effect on the Extent of Edema and Range of Motion in Early Postoperative Recovery following Primary Endoprosthetics of the Knee Joint?. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11, 3456.
14. Jarecki, J., Sobiech, M., Turżańska, K., Tomczyk-Warunek, A., & Jabłoński, M. (2021). A Kinesio Taping Method Applied in the Treatment of Postsurgical Knee Swelling after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10, 3992.
15. Lee, B., Yoon, D., & Yim, J. (2024). Effects of an Early Exercise Program with Cryotherapy on Range of Motion, Pain, Swelling, and Gait in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 1420.
16. Chen, P., Wang, L., Zhou, W., & Wang, L. (2024). Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 19, e0299008.
17. Castro, P., Barbosa, G., Machanocker, D., Peres, R., Cunha, T., Cunha, J.,… & Salvini, T. (2022). Clinical-like cryotherapy in acute knee arthritis of the knee improves inflammation signs, pain, joint swelling, and motor performance in mice. PLoS ONE, 17, e0261667.