Why Your Knee Keeps Swelling And How to Reduce It

When Your Knee Swells and Feels Tight What’s Really Going On

If your knee swells up, feels tight, or looks puffy after walking, standing, or even resting, it’s more than just “getting older.”
Knee swelling also known as knee effusion  is your body’s signal that something inside the joint is irritated or inflamed.

Many adults notice the swelling:

• after activity
• at the end of the day
• first thing in the morning
• or sometimes constantly

It can make walking, bending, or going up stairs frustrating and painful. The good news? Knee swelling is treatable  and often reversible without surgery.

Common Causes of Knee Swelling

1. Arthritis (Most Common)

As cartilage wears down, the joint becomes inflamed, causing fluid buildup and stiffness.

2. Meniscus Irritation or Wear

Years of twisting, climbing stairs, or old injuries can irritate the meniscus and trigger swelling.

3. Overuse or Repetitive Strain

Long walks, standing all day, or even yardwork can inflame the joint.

4. Bursitis

When the protective sacs around the knee get irritated, they fill with fluid and swell.

5. Old Injuries

Even injuries from years ago (sprains, falls, sports tears) can flare up over time.

6. Poor Circulation

Reduced blood flow limits oxygen to the knee, increasing stiffness and inflammation.

Why It Feels Tight or Hard to Bend

When the knee joint fills with extra fluid, it creates pressure  like blowing up a balloon.
This leads to:

• tightness
• difficulty bending
• grinding sensations
• pain with weight-bearing
• difficulty standing up after sitting

Fluid buildup also makes the knee look rounder or swollen compared to the other side.

Why Pills and Cortisone Shots Often Don’t Fix the Problem

Medication only masks the pain temporarily. Cortisone may reduce swelling for a short time, but repeated injections can:

• weaken cartilage
• accelerate joint breakdown
• make long-term pain worse

Lasting improvement requires reducing the inflammation inside the joint, not just numbing symptoms.

A Non-Surgical Path to Reducing Knee Swelling

At Buffalo Arthritis & Joint Pain Center, we help patients reduce inflammation through non-surgical joint restoration treatments that target the root cause of swelling.

Our approach helps:

• Reduce fluid buildup
• Improve circulation inside the knee
• Calm joint irritation
• Restore smoother, pain-free movement
• Support long-term cartilage health

Most patients notice reduced swelling, better flexibility, and easier walking within just a few sessions.

Simple Ways to Reduce Knee Swelling at Home

🧊 Use ice after activity — 10–15 minutes helps calm inflammation
🚶 Take short walks to keep circulation moving
🧘 Gently stretch hamstrings and quads
💧 Drink plenty of water — hydration reduces inflammation
🥗 Eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, olive oil, berries, leafy greens
🪑 Avoid sitting too long — joints stiffen when inactive

Consistency matters. Small daily habits improve long-term knee health.

You Don’t Have to Live With Swollen, Achy Knees

If swelling keeps returning or is affecting your daily activities, it’s a sign your knee needs help.

👉 Schedule your consultation today at www.painreliefbajc.com
and find out how our natural, non-surgical knee therapies can help you move freely and comfortably again.

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