A lump has appeared on the knee.
Sep 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
The knee generally refers to the knee joint. In most cases, a lump on the knee joint may be caused by trauma, joint effusion, prepatellar bursitis, subcutaneous cysts, lipomas, or other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, conditions such as bone tumors can also cause a lump protruding from the skin around the knee joint. In daily life, one should avoid strenuous activities to reduce wear and tear on the knee joint.
The knee generally refers to the knee joint. In most cases, a lump on the knee may be caused by trauma, joint effusion, prepatellar bursitis, subcutaneous cysts, lipomas, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Trauma
If the knee joint suffers an impact causing rupture of surrounding capillaries, a subcutaneous hematoma may form, usually accompanied by tenderness upon pressure. Within the first 24 hours after injury, cold compresses are recommended to constrict blood vessels and reduce exudation of tissue fluid and blood, thereby alleviating pain and swelling. After 24 hours, warm compresses can be applied to increase local tissue temperature, promote metabolism, and accelerate the absorption of edema and hematoma.
2. Joint Effusion
This refers to excessive secretion and abnormal accumulation of synovial fluid within the joint cavity due to infection, trauma, inflammation, or other factors. When too much fluid accumulates, it often causes symptoms such as joint swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Patients should immobilize the affected joint to prevent increased fluid production and secondary injury from movement. Pain relief medications such as ibuprofen tablets or celecoxib capsules may be taken under medical guidance. If fluid accumulates rapidly, joint aspiration may be performed. After aspiration, compression dressing is recommended to prevent re-accumulation of fluid.
3. Prepatellar Bursitis
This is an aseptic inflammation occurring in the prepatellar bursa. Clinically, patients present with pain and swelling anterior to the patella, which protrudes forward in a cap-like shape. Patients may perceive this as an abnormal lump on the knee joint. The area feels elastic and gritty upon touch, and aspiration typically yields pale yellow or brownish-yellow synovial fluid. Under physician guidance, patients may take analgesic medications such as celecoxib capsules or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules. Acupuncture, electrical heat therapy, or aspiration combined with corticosteroid injection may also be used to relieve symptoms.
4. Subcutaneous Cyst
These cysts are typically soft or firm spherical masses buried beneath the skin or subcutaneous tissue, adherent to the skin but with a mobile base. Asymptomatic cysts generally do not require treatment. For larger individual lesions, surgical excision is an option, and complete removal of the cyst wall helps prevent recurrence.
5. Lipoma
A benign soft tissue tumor composed of mature fat tissue, usually presenting as one or more localized subcutaneous masses that may appear around the knee joint. If asymptomatic, no intervention is necessary. However, if the tumor is large enough to interfere with movement or causes pain due to nerve compression, surgical removal is recommended.
In addition, bone tumors and other conditions may also cause lumps protruding from the skin near the knee joint. Daily activities should avoid strenuous exercise to minimize wear and tear on the knee joint.
