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A swollen knee is the result of the accumulation of fluid in or around the knee joint. It is commonly referred to as a ‘knee joint effusion’ or ‘water on the knee.’ Knee swelling can come on suddenly or gradually, can be mild or severe and can limit the movement of the leg. It often causes pain and can make walking very uncomfortable. The swelling can be both unilateral (affecting one knee) and bilateral (affecting both knees). Homeopathic medicines for swollen knee treat the condition in a gradual, safe and natural way. 
The most common cause of a swollen knee is an injury, but in some cases, it may develop due to an underlying problem in the knee joint. The structure of the knee joint is as follows: The knee joint has a capsule, which is like a sac surrounding the whole joint. This capsule contains the synovial fluid which nourishes and lubricates the joint, enabling it to smoothly carry out movements of the body. The joint capsule acts as a container, keeping the fluid within the knee joint. Sometimes it may happen that the joint becomes overworked, or twisted. In case the joint gets irritated, it responds by producing more fluid in order to protect and heal itself. This is how the term ‘water on the knee’ has come about.
Homeopathic Medicines for Swollen Knee
There are various forms of conventional treatment for a swollen knee depending upon the cause for it. For a swollen knee caused by an infection, antibiotics are given to treat the underlying infection. In inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are usually prescribed. The above mentioned conventional treatment can, however, have adverse side effects on the body, the scope of which is totally emitted in Homeopathy. Both acute and chronic conditions respond well to Homeopathy. Apis Mellifica, Arnica Montana, Bryonia Alba, Benzoic Acid, Rhus Tox, Sticta Pulmonaria, Benzoicum Acidum, Silicea, and Kali Iodatum are the top remedies for a swollen knee.
1. Apis Mellifica – Where Pain Worsens Under Pressure
Apis Mellifica, also known as the Poison of the Honey Bee, is a medicine derived from dried honeybees commonly found in the Western region and Europe. Apis Mellifica is an effective remedy with a sphere of action revolving around the urinary system, gastrointestinal system and the skin with characteristic burning stinging pains as that from the bite of a bee.
It is used to treat a swollen knee that is accompanied by intense, stinging, and shooting pain in the knees. The pain worsens under pressure. The knee may appear shiny, sore, and sensitive to the touch. In the case of housemaid’s knee, it is indicated when the knee is highly swollen, sore and sensitive to touch. In some cases, the knee pain is of burning, stinging nature. Slight touch and pressure can worsen the pain.
2. Arnica Montana – For Swelling Due to Injury
Arnica Montana is used to treat a swollen knee that develops as a result of an injury or trauma. Arnica is also known as Leopard’s Bane, which is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe. It belongs to the family Compositae. Its main sphere of action is around the muscles and the cellular tissues of the body by acting through the cerebrospinal system. Other symptoms include soreness, bruising and pain. A sensation of dislocation with a tenderness of the knee joint may also be present.
3. Bryonia Alba – For Swelling Due to Rheumatic Joint
Bryonia Alba is a medicine used to treat swelling in the knees due to a rheumatic joint complaint. It is also known as White Bryony and belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. This is a perennial climbing herb found in Europe and Northern Iran. The knee joint is red, hot and swollen. Along with swelling, a sharp, tearing, stitching pain may also be present. The slightest movement of the knee can worsen the pain. Through the cerebrospinal nervous system, no other remedy affects the mucous membranes as Bryonia does.
Other Significant Remedies
4. Benzoic Acid – For Swollen Knee due to Gout
Benzoic Acid is a medicine used to treat a swollen knee due to gout. Along with swelling, painful nodes on the knee joint may be present. Drawing pain in the knees, a cracking sound upon movement and aggravation of the symptoms might indicate the need for this medicine.
5. Rhus Tox – For Swelling with Stiffness
Rhus Tox is used to treat a swollen knee with stiffness. The knee feels hot, painful, heavy and tense. Massage and movement help ease the pain.
6. Sticta Pulmonaria – Swelling due to Bursitis
Sticta Pulmonaria is one of the best medicines for a swollen knee that occurs due to bursitis. The main symptom that indicates the need for this medicine is a red, hot, intensely swollen knee. This is due to the collection of a significant amount of fluid in the patellar bursa. Stretching the leg or moving about often brings relief. For housemaid’s knee, the primary guiding symptom for using this medicine is severe shooting pain in the affected knee. The knee is also highly inflammed with marked redness and heat.
7. Benzoicum Acidum – For Gout affecting Knee Joint
Benzoicum Acidum is a remedy for gout that affects the knee joint. The joint is swollen and painful with a cracking sound on movement. In some cases, nodes from the deposits of urate crystals may be present on the knees.
4. Silicea – For Tearing Knee Pain
Silicea is a natural medicine for housemaid’s knee and swelling when knee pains are tearing in nature. Pressure and exercise worsen the pain over the knee. The knee is also highly swollen and shining.
5. Kali Iodatum – Swelling Aggravated at Night
The main feature to use Kali Iodatum is the pain over knee worse from lying on the affected side. Other symptoms indicating Kali Iodatum use are swelling over knee aggravated at night time.
Risk Factors that lead to a Swollen Knee
Following are some risk factors that can predispose a person to a condition like swollen knee:
1. Age: The risk of developing diseases which lead to knee effusion, like arthritis, increases with age. This makes older adults more vulnerable to develop a condition like a swollen knee.
2. Sports: People who are actively involved in sports that involve twisting the knee, such as basketball, are more likely to experience knee injuries that cause swelling.
3. Obesity: Excess weight puts added stress on the knee joint, thus contributing to the tissue and joint overload and knee degeneration that can lead to a swollen knee. Obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis, one of the more frequent causes of knee swelling.
4. Occupation: Occupations that including sitting on the knees for hours together or hobbies like gardening, increase the pressure on the knees thus causing a knee effusion presenting itself as a swelling.
Symptoms of Swollen Knee
The symptoms corresponding to the condition are swelling and redness of the affected area along with tenderness and a warm feeling on the joint.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
‘We are what we eat’ and hence diet plays an important role in every disease condition. While some foods can make things worse, there are plenty of anti-inflammatory foods that can ease the swollen knee joints.
1. Choose fish over red meat as red meat is rich in cholesterol and salt, thereby contributing to inflammation. Cooking in olive oil (rich in omega-9 fatty acid) can help reduce inflammation. Other useful food items are nuts like walnuts, almond, and hazelnuts along with garlic, onion, beans and lots of high fiber rich food and fruits.
2. To reduce inflammation, avoid processed foods such as packaged meats, cookies, chips, and other snacks. These are often high in unhealthy fats, salts, and sugars, which are linked to inflammation. Limiting your alcohol intake is also important, especially when taking certain medications.
Some lifestyle changes that can help prevent and manage a swollen knee include wearing proper shoes while walking, avoiding high heels for extended periods of time, warming up before an intense physical activity, performing light exercise to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, keeping a check on the weight since being overweight can put extra stress on the bones and joints, always maintaining the correct posture (especially while while at work, sitting or driving), lifting weight with care and consuming appropriate quantities of calcium and Vitamin D.
Hi There Dr,
I had a left total knee replacement done 15 months ago. I have been doing more activities to deepen my range of motion
And flexibility . I also have done a lot of hiking (12-15 miles per week on icy terrain. I have developed water on the knee in recent days.
Hoping to find a remedy to help my body reabsorb the synovial fluid.
Thank you, Raz
Hello Dr. Sharma. I’ve just been reading about swollen knees, which I have, but none of these seem to depict my problem. Both my knees are swollen, one more than the other, this happened a few days ago. Both are very stiff, and with the one which is more swollen, I can hardly bend my knee at all. My knees aren’t hot and I don’t have pain, unless I try to bend the knee too far, or try to kneel on it. I think possibly Rhus Tox is the closest remedy for me, but could you suggest something else keeping in mind the above?
Many thanks, Margo
Doctor Madam,
Developed Baker’s cyst on the rear side, behind the left knee. Severe pain. Temporary relief from cold compress and exercise. Please suggest homoeopathic medicine ma’m.
Swolleng and blood effusion rt. Knee d/to falling injury 😍 from bike on 06.06.2022 .MRI report partial AC Ligament tearing. Please suggest management and homoeopathic medicines .
I have swelling and pain in my right knee, I am taking Rhus Tox 200x once daily. I did not see any improvement. Could you please help me treat this condition
Knee swelling
My friend took a fall a few weeks ago and it started out with not much pain, but just some swelling. I told her to take Arnica 30C and she’s been taking it for about 4 or 5 days. Now she says the swelling has gone down but there’s some tenderness and a little burning. I’m wondering if she should continue with Arnica or switch to something else.
Hi, Dr. Sharma, my knee suddenly swelled up like a balloon. The doc took 88 cc’s from it and sent it to be tested for Lyme because I had no gout or increased exercise etc…I have had 2 monovisc injections in that knee and was due for a 3rd. They have worked pretty well up till now. Today the swelling is back…very painful to bend knee(can’t really bend) and to touch and walk. I applied Arnica gel and took some Arnica. I don’t have gout and have a pretty clean diet…no meats, alcohol, processed foods. I do drink coffee and eat some dark chocolate. I walk 3 miles a day(dog) and bike maybe 2x a week for about 40 minutes. I don’t know what caused this and don’t know what homeopathy to take to heal. Thank you for feedback.
was it lyme? How are you now?
Hello Dr. Sharma ji
My husband have knee problem since 2019 in Noveber. In starting 2 day had pain and than it swelling came , many of Dr. Have seen the knee but have no solution regarding this. Dr. Said he should wait until he come the age of 40.. he suffering from much pain … plz help if you can … also he is thellassemia major also
Dear Doctor,
I am diagonised with morrant bakers cyst behind my right knee. I took medication and physiotheraphy session. It reduced temporarily. Now with daily chores or little workout also I am getting pain back. I have mild swelling as well. Can homeopathy resolve this issue? Pls. Help.
Dear Doctor
Thanks for response.
Diagonised that my left knee Joined in backside formed a baker cyst. Now Give me a Prescription
for treatment beaker cyst. I am Bangladeshi. So If
give prescription that will be by Generic name or
German brand name.
Thanking & best wishes you.
Regards
Md. Abdul Hakim
Hello Dr. Sharma,
I suffered a knee fracture about 4-5 years ago. Then about a year and a half ago I suffered a 2nd degree burn right above my knee cap (same knee) when a infra red light fell on my knee (accident). I can tell there is scar tissue there now and also a build up of fluid on top of knee cap. Behind my knee hurts now as well.
Would greatly appreciate any advice.
Regards,
Sharon
Dr.Sahib, Namaskar! I am suffering from Effusion i.e.water on me. All test are almost normal such as RA factor,CRP,CBC,Anti-CCP,uric acid bur pain and swelling in left knee. 50 ml water taken out and tested, recommended antibiotics but even ater taking antibiotics for 11 days,no significant improvement. Please suggest some homeopathic medicine for its treatment.
Comprehensive article.
Thanks
I have a problem with my right leg after a injury in right leg in2018 I had a surgery on my leg because my meniscus was crunching my doctor did a surgery I don’t had pain any more, but the swelling is still it is been seven months and I don’t see any avance. I hope you can help me with my leg my phone number is +16318091416
My left Knee has swollen and stiffen. Allopathy Doctor said that water has accumulated in the knee and has to be removed. But then I went to my homeopathy Doctor she has started the medication has affirmed that it will get cure.
Doctor can really with the help of Homeopathy medicine my Knee will get cured ? If so then how many days it will require to get cure.
Thanks.
For the last 1 month I am facing Joint knee problems.
My left leg is more affected & I could not stand & could not walk.Severe pain on left leg. I approach to Orthopaedic surgeon.He checked & diagnosis that water is accumulated in knee & swelling & mussles problem.He recommended physiotherapy exercise & knee belt & allopathic medicine.
My age is 70 years & I am getting physiotherapy exercise & taking medicines for the last 8days but I don’t find any improvement.Still I am unable to stand & walk.
Please suggest any remedy for early recovery.
Thanks
Natvarlal Gor
Dear Sir, my father was suffering from knee swollen both legs basically right leg, he take somany medicines but some medicines work some days. His age 72years, weight 68kg. Please suggest me what can he does to recovery for this disease.
Grade II tear of capsular surface of posterior horn of medical meniscus. Mild joint effusion. Diffuse patellar cartilage thining with focal cartilage loss on lateral with subchondral changes of Grade IV changes. Diffuse thining of cartilage with subchondral bony changes on the lower end of femur.
Dear sir.
I remember having a swollen left since the time I was a child, I am even afraid if I was born with it.
I was given different medication until I was about 26 when I was asked to do an MRI Scan. The scan results showed a cyst in between my knee, in the front side. They took a biopsy and confirmed that the cyst is not malignant.
I am 31 now still living with the cyst in between the joints of my Left knee.
It swells up if there is pressure put on my knee. Touching the cyst grown area hard causes my knee to swell. I remember each time I was Given an IV the left knee got swollen
When it swells I cannot flex my left leg or can’t walk?
I am interested to know what meds suit best.
How long must it take to cure as it is a chronic issue.
HELLO SIR,,,MY LEFT KNEE HAS SWELLING ,,,EVERY TIME DOCTORS USED TO GIVE ME DEPO MEDROL INJECTION AND IT WORKS FINE BUT AFTER 14 DAYS AGAIN SWELLING OR EXCESS FLUID ACCUMULATED IN MY LEFT KNEE…
I AM TAKING SAAZ-DS TWICE A DAY AND LEFRA DAILY
PLEASE ADVICE WHAT TO DO…..
Hello Dr. Sharma ji,
I m suffering from mild joint effusion in supra and retropatellar bursae ( Right knee)
While doing some exercises at the Gym.
Further it is also submitted that I m a Football player now age 42years.
Please suggest some good medicine.
Thanks
With best Regards
AJAY (9818559209)
want treatment for post surgery symptoms of baker cyst .please help
baker cyst in my right knee, which medicine is best
My wife had a swelling and pain just above right leg knee joint. I have given RhusTox 30c but not giving much relief. She is applying hot pad and other pain balm like move. What will you suggest for relief of swelling and accompanied pain. Thanks