The entire leg swelled up after falling on the knee six months ago—what could be the reason?
Six months ago, after falling and injuring my knee, my entire leg has remained swollen, with some pain upon palpation, and I'm also hesitant to walk with force. I'm now very concerned and don't know what's causing this. I'd like to ask, if the entire leg remains swollen six months after a knee injury, what could be the reason?
Doctor's answer (1)
The entire leg still being swollen six months after a knee injury may be due to multiple causes.
1. Intra-articular structural damage: Without timely and effective treatment after an acute injury, damage to the internal structures of the knee joint may occur, such as meniscal or ligament tears, or cartilage wear, which can trigger a chronic inflammatory response, manifesting as persistent swelling.
2. Surrounding soft tissue injury: The fall may have damaged the soft tissues around the knee, including muscles, ligaments, and blood vessels, leading to swelling and pain. If the injury is severe, it may take a longer time for recovery.
3. Synovitis: The membrane lining the joint internally can become inflamed, leading to excessive accumulation of joint fluid and resulting in swelling.
4. Fracture: This also can cause swelling and pain throughout the leg, and because bone healing takes time, the swelling may persist for a prolonged period.
5. Deep vein thrombosis: Prolonged bed rest or limited mobility can slow blood flow and promote clot formation, obstructing venous return and causing leg swelling.
If the entire leg remains swollen six months after a knee injury, it is recommended to visit a hospital for examination and treatment.
