How to Relieve Joint Fluid Pain

Knee swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, and consists mainly of excessive fluid buildup within the joint. Pain from the swelling occurs from over-distention (expansion) of the lining of the joint. The application of ice to the knee can be particularly helpful in reducing swelling, and the pain that comes with it.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the materials for cold therapy. You can use a wide variety of materials to provide cold to the skin. Commonly used items include frozen peas, ice cubes in a bag or a refreezable cold pack. Begin by properly freezing the materials and have an additional supply available.

• 2

  Prepare a suitable place to relax and allow the leg to rest in an extended position, with the knee very slightly bent. This reduces tension upon the back side of the knee. A bed, sofa or recliner chair is the most user-friendly.

• 3

  Place a light layer of fabric between the skin of the knee and the cold pack material. Use a thin cloth towel or pillowcase. Be sure the material is thin enough to allow the cold to penetrate to the skin, but not too thin as to allow for irritation and potential burning of the skin.

• 4

  Place the cold pack either directly over the anterior (front) portion of the knee on top of the patella (knee cap), or to either side of the patella over the areas that are most swollen. Avoid the urge to place the cold pack behind the knee, due to the presence of large blood vessels and nerves coursing behind the knee, which can be adversely affected by cold temperatures and pressure.

  Secure the cold pack around the knee by gently wrapping an elastic bandage around, thus holding the pack in place.

• 5

  Allow the cold pack to remain in place for approximately 20 minutes. Remove and inspect the areas for any unusual redness or other discoloration. A slight pinkish hue to the skin is typically a normal response to increased blood flow to the skin in the presence of cold. Typical "icing" sessions can last 20 minutes with a frequency of three to four times a day as comfort levels allow.