Knee Swelling

[aorose]

I have been having trouble with my left knee for over a month. I have been to the doctor and he examined it and said he didn't feel anything torn or out of place and he ordered x-rays that came back okay. However I still have severe swelling by the end of the day and I have a bulge on the lower outside of the knee that is always there (much more pronounced by the end of the day). It is also very stiff if I extend the leg fully or bend it back completely. The doctor mentioned arthritus however does that just happen overnight and should I be getting a MRI done?

Thank you,

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examaintion,I cannot confirm a diagnosis but it can be due to acute causes(injuries,miniscal tears) or chronic like arthritis,infection,gout or pseudocgout prepatellar bursitis.

Sometimes the cause especially soft tissue causes like miniscal injury are not viewable by x-rays.So in my opinion,confirmatory diagnosis can only be made by MRI knee joint.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and about the MRI reports.Kind regards.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Yes, you are right. A sudden knee swelling does not appear overnight. This is usually the result of an injury. Those with broad pelvis, flat foot and knock knee many a times twist their knee without realizing. Fluid either blood or synovial secretion accumulates and builds up during the day. If X-rays were normal, get a MRI done.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!