Swollen and painful knee after running, unable to move

Jun 05, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
In general, knee swelling, pain, and immobility after running may be caused by factors such as muscle strain, synovitis of the knee joint, or meniscal injury. In addition, these symptoms may also be related to degenerative arthritis, ligament injuries, or knee fractures. It is recommended that patients seek timely evaluation at a qualified hospital upon experiencing such symptoms, and then choose an appropriate treatment based on the specific condition.

Generally, knee swelling, pain, and immobility after running may be caused by factors such as muscle strain, synovitis of the knee joint, or meniscal injury. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Muscle Strain

The muscles surrounding the knee may become strained during running or other physical activities, potentially causing swelling and pain that makes movement difficult. In severe cases, patients should go directly to the hospital and, under medical guidance, take medications such as nimesulide capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets to relieve symptoms.

2. Knee Joint Synovitis

Knee joint synovitis refers to inflammation of the skin layer beneath the joint synovium, which may cause localized swelling, pain, and a forced avoidance of movement. In such cases, patients can use medications like loxoprofen sodium tablets or lidocaine cream under a doctor's advice.

3. Meniscal Injury of the Knee Joint

During running, the knee joint experiences significant impact forces. If the meniscus is injured, it may lead to knee swelling, pain, and difficulty moving. Patients should reduce exercise time and, under medical supervision, take medications such as glucosamine capsules or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to alleviate symptoms.

Besides the above, similar symptoms may also be related to degenerative arthritis, ligament injuries, or knee fractures. It is recommended that patients seek timely evaluation at a reputable medical facility when experiencing these symptoms. After identifying the specific cause, appropriate treatment should be selected based on individual circumstances. Additionally, maintaining proper exercise habits, ensuring balanced nutrition, and practicing good posture can help prevent and alleviate knee injuries.


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