Swelling without pain?

by Emily
(Denver, CO)

Hi. I have patella femoral syndrome, which I've mostly controlled with exercise. But for the past few days, I've noticed considerably more pain, and then today, I have swelling and weakness in my knee but reduced pain. I'm icing my knee now (the swelling is mostly above the joint, at the front of my leg), but what else should I be doing? Is this a typical symptom?

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Swelling without pain?

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Oct 30, 2008
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swelling without pain
by: Bart - SII

Swelling with patella femoral syndrome is a common symptom - and it can occur without pain sometimes. The underlying problem with PFS is that the tissues around the patella femoral joint (articular surfaces, retinaculum, etc) are irritated due to abnormal stresses. Your body's first reaction to irritation is an inflammatory response, which often involves swelling.

Have you changed your activity levels in the last few days that you have had increased pain and swelling? Increased levels can cause your knee to react.

Ice and resting from aggravating activities should help decrease the swelling.

Bart

Oct 31, 2008
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Thanks!
by: Emily

Hi Bart. Thanks for the info! I haven't changed my routine activities, but I did have a day of being on my feet and running around. It's already a little better today, so I'll keep icing and resting!