Swelling behind the knee is one of the common problems that may be caused by various reasons. This complication can be caused by a simple injury to more serious problems such as chronic diseases. Usually, there is not much information available about the possible causes of this complication; But in this article, we will fully discuss possible cases. What are the symptoms? Different symptoms that you experience following this complication are as follows: - There is swelling behind the knee or the whole knee. - You may feel the pain only in the knee, or it may be in other parts, including the lower leg. - If the tibial nerve is affected, you feel tingling or numbness, sometimes it has spread to the lower part in addition to the knee. - You witness changes in skin color, including redness or bruising. Investigation of the possible causes of swelling behind the knee The things that can contribute to this complication are as follows: ### Kist Baker Baker's cyst refers to the accumulation of fluid in the knee joint, which can cause accumulation behind the knee. Usually, this complication occurs after arthritis or damage to the knee cartilage and leads to an increase in fluid production. In these cases, the patient feels stiffness in the knee area, this condition may cause pain during activity or even when the patient rests. Often patients cannot bend their injured knee; Because the accumulated fluid behind the knee prevents bending. If there is too much fluid behind the knee, it forms as a mass, irritating the nerves and other structures behind the knee. ### Popliteal aneurysm This is an abnormal expansion of the popliteal artery, which is located behind the knee. When the artery is enlarged, it will cause many complications for the patient. Usually, this disease does not have significant symptoms, and you may be suffering from it and not be aware of this complication. Aneurysm that is less than two centimeters is not dangerous; But more than that will need to be investigated and followed up. This case is also one of the possible causes of swelling behind the knee. ### Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the body. This condition can cause pain, swelling behind your knee, leg or thigh; But sometimes it does not cause any symptoms. Factors such as cancer, complete rest after surgery, obesity, pregnancy and the use of contraceptives can increase the possibility of this complication. ### stretching or tearing of ligaments If there is damage to the knee ligaments for various reasons, including accidents or sports injuries, there is a possibility of pain and swelling at the back of the knee. For example, rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and... are among these cases. ### Arthritis Some inflammatory diseases such as joint rheumatism and arthritis cause complications such as swelling in different parts of the knee, including the back of the knee. ### infection Infection of the knee joint or the tissue around it can lead to swelling and severe pain. If there is an infection, there will be a possibility of fever and other symptoms of infection. What is the solution to prevent swelling behind the knee? The important thing to prevent this complication is that you should have a healthy diet, exercise regularly and have a normal weight in order to prevent swelling and pain behind the knee. Whenever your shoes become old, you should think about new shoes, using non-standard and old shoes can cause many problems in areas such as feet, ankles, spine, hips, etc. Using natural anti-inflammatories such as fish oil, turmeric, bromelain, etc. helps to heal and prevent inflammation to a great extent. What diagnostic methods are there? pain specialist uses such methods to diagnose the cause of swelling behind the knee: ### Physical examination First, when you visit the doctor, he will perform a physical examination to check things such as the size, shape, and sensitivity of the swelling area. ### Imaging Furthermore, if necessary, to confirm their diagnosis, they get help from imaging methods such as MRI, ultrasound or X-ray to diagnose internal problems of the knee. ### Blood test If the doctor deems it necessary, he will also recommend a blood test to check for infection or inflammatory conditions. What is the treatment for swelling behind the knee? Depending on what problem is causing the swelling behind the knee, there are different treatment methods. In the following, the possible treatment methods that are suggested to you are as follows: ### home remedies - You should get enough rest, which means avoiding strenuous activities that could aggravate your condition. - To reduce inflammation and swelling, you can use a cold compress or an ice pack and place it on the painful and swollen area. - Keep your legs elevated to reduce fluid accumulation in the swollen area. ### Pharmaceutical treatment You should not take medicine arbitrarily without a doctor's prescription. The doctor will prescribe the right medicine according to your condition. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed for you. When infection is the cause of swelling, antibiotics will be prescribed. ### Physiotherapy Strengthening and movement exercises that the physiotherapist considers for you will help to increase the range of motion and improve knee function. ### specialized treatments If the source of the swelling is a serious and specialized problem, the doctor will consider the best specialized treatment method depending on the patient's condition. For example, if Baker's cyst is the cause of it, fluids should be drained from Baker's cyst. Also, in cases where ligament rupture or severe injuries have occurred, you need surgery. Home treatment for knee swelling To reduce swelling behind the knee, some home methods are recommended: - Rest and keep your leg elevated to reduce pressure and fluid accumulation. - Use a cold compress several times a day to reduce inflammation. - Use a knee brace to support and reduce swelling. - Perform gentle stretches under the supervision of a doctor or physiotherapist. If the swelling continues or is accompanied by severe pain, you must see a doctor for examination and treatment. Exercise for swelling behind the knee Mild and targeted exercises play an effective role in reducing swelling behind the knee, especially in cases such as Baker's cyst or joint dryness. In the following, we will explain some simple and safe exercises to help you improve your knee condition: ### stretching the muscles of the back of the thigh (hamstring) Sit on the floor and stretch your legs. Slowly bend forward from the waist until you feel a stretch in the back of your knee. Stay in this position for 15 to 20 seconds and then release. Repeat this exercise 2 to 3 times for each leg. ### Bending and straightening the knee In a standing position, bend one leg at the knee and bring the heel closer to the hip. Stay in this position for a few seconds and then release the leg. Do this exercise 10 times for each leg. ### Stretching the leg by leaning against the wall Stand facing the wall, place your hands on the wall. Put one foot forward and the other back. Bend the front knee slightly and keep the heel of the back foot on the floor to feel the stretch in the back of the leg and knee area. Hold this position for 20 seconds and then switch legs. Note that doing these exercises should be painless. If pain or swelling increases, it is recommended to stop exercising and consult a doctor or physiotherapist. These items are effective for relieving swelling behind the left and right knee.