What should you know about knee contusion swelling?

A contusion damages small blood vessels and soft tissue without necessarily breaking the skin. Bruising, tenderness and swelling may develop around the impact. Swelling inside the joint, difficulty fully bending or straightening, locking, or a feeling that the knee gives way can suggest more than a superficial bruise. Other causes of a swollen knee include ACL Tear, Meniscus Tear, Knee Bursitis, Knee Osteoarthritis, Baker's Cyst or Gout; the pattern and examination help separate them.

Protect the knee from another impact and reduce running, jumping and heavy loading for the moment. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth, rest with the leg raised, and move the knee gently within a comfortable range. Avoid tight wrapping if it causes numbness, colour change or increased pain. Do not return to sport while walking remains painful or the knee cannot move normally. A clinician may consider Joint Aspiration when fluid inside the joint is substantial or its cause needs clarification.

Get urgent assessment after a major fall or collision if you cannot bear weight, the knee looks deformed, pain is severe, or swelling appeared quickly. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth and redness, fever, numbness, a cold foot, or worsening symptoms. Arrange a routine review if swelling does not steadily improve, returns without a new injury, or the joint catches or locks.

Ask whether the swelling is superficial bruising or joint fluid, whether imaging is useful, when normal activity can resume, and which pain-relief options fit your medical history. Describe the impact, timing of swelling, ability to bear weight, and any clicking or instability.