Why does an old knee injury hurt and swell on rainy days, and what should be done about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Shuai
Introduction
In general, if there is an old knee injury, pain and swelling during rainy weather may be related to factors such as cold exposure, changes in atmospheric pressure, synovitis, knee arthritis, or degenerative osteoarthritis. Treatment can include daily care and oral medications. Patients should promptly go to the hospital for relevant examinations and follow medical advice for treatment.
Under normal circumstances, old knee injuries that become painful and swollen during rainy weather may be related to factors such as cold exposure, changes in atmospheric pressure, synovitis, knee arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. Treatment options include daily care and oral medications. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Cold Exposure
If clothing is insufficient, the knee may be stimulated by cold wind, potentially causing local muscle spasms and resulting in symptoms such as pain and swelling. Patients can improve these discomforts by adding more clothing or applying a heating pad to the affected area.
2. Changes in Atmospheric Pressure
Rainy weather is often accompanied by changes in atmospheric pressure, which may disrupt the balance of fluid pressure within the joints, leading to pain and swelling. For previously injured knee joints, fluctuations in pressure may intensify discomfort. Keeping the area warm may help alleviate symptoms.
3. Synovitis
Trauma may cause rupture of the synovial membrane, leading to excessive fluid accumulation and subsequent inflammatory infection in the synovial region. Clinically, this manifests as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as ibuprofen tablets or celecoxib capsules for treatment.
4. Knee Arthritis
The exact cause of knee arthritis remains unclear, but it is generally associated with factors such as age, trauma, and genetics. Clinical symptoms include joint pain, limited mobility, and swelling. Under medical supervision, patients may use medications such as etoricoxib tablets or eruxib tablets for management.
5. Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative joint disease is a common joint condition characterized by gradual wear and damage to cartilage tissue. Humidity and pressure changes during rainy weather may trigger pain and swelling, as these environmental changes may affect nutrient supply and pressure balance within joint tissues. Medications such as clindamycin hydrochloride tablets or cefoxitin sodium for injection may be used under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.
Patients should promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations and follow medical advice for appropriate treatment.
