Knee swollen for two weeks: what to do next

Persistent swelling can follow an ACL tear or meniscus tear, including an injury that was easy to overlook. Knee osteoarthritis may cause recurring fluid and stiffness, while knee bursitis affects tissue outside the main joint. Gout can remain inflamed after a sudden flare, and a Baker's Cyst can leave fullness behind the knee. These conditions can overlap in symptoms, so the duration alone cannot identify the cause.

Record whether the swelling changes during the day, whether stairs or standing worsen it, and whether the knee clicks, catches, gives way, or cannot fully straighten. Bring a list of medicines and any recent illness or injury.

Book an appointment with a doctor or musculoskeletal clinician. Reduce high-impact exercise and use comfortable, gentle movement rather than complete immobility. Elevate the leg when resting; a wrapped cold pack may help after activity. Do not repeatedly drain the swelling yourself or increase exercise to test the joint. An examination may be followed by imaging or joint aspiration when the findings call for it.

Seek urgent care if the knee becomes hot and red with fever, pain suddenly becomes severe, the swelling increases quickly, or you cannot bear weight. Immediate help is also needed for new calf swelling with chest pain or difficulty breathing. Persistent swelling is worth arranging care; these additional signs make the timing more urgent.

Ask whether the swelling is inside the joint, whether a ligament or meniscus should be evaluated, and which exercises are safe. Ask how to recognise a flare or complication and when you should return if the swelling remains.