Swollen Knee

Overview

Your health care provider is likely to start with a detailed history and physical examination. After that you likely will need tests to find out what’s causing your swollen knee.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests can help show where the problem is located. Options include:

X-ray. An X-ray can rule out broken or dislocated bones and determine if you have arthritis.
Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to check for disorders affecting the tendons or ligaments.
MRI. Using radio waves and a strong magnetic field, MRI can detect tendon, ligament and other soft tissue injuries that aren’t visible on X-rays.

Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)

A needle is used to remove fluid from inside your knee. This fluid is then checked for the presence of:

Blood, which may stem from injuries or bleeding disorders
Bacteria that may be causing an infection
Crystals common to gout or pseudogout

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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