Knee injuries usually lead to retention of fluids in the knee cavity and this kind of fluid build-up in the knees leads to swelling and inflammation of the knee which can cause difficulties walking or doing any kind of physical activity which involves the knees and legs. There is also some discomfort and lingering pain. You should get your knee checked properly by a specialist and if necessary get the fluid drained, but there are also some simple home remedies that can help to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and speed the healing process. The most important thing is avoid all exertion and to get sufficient rest for your knee. You can massage the knee to ease the pain, but ensure that you know how to massage correctly or else it could worsen the condition. You should avoid hot compresses at all costs, especially during the first few days after the injury because the heat can increase the fluid build-up. Instead you should apply a cold compress or an ice pack since ice prevents build-up of fluid in the knee. The best way to do this is to follow the R.I.C.E technique - rest, ice, compression and elevation. In addition to avoiding all activity, applying ice packs and cold compresses on the knee, you should also keep your leg elevated so that the fluid gets drained naturally from the knee cavity. While sitting keep a foot-stool under your feet to elevate them and when you lie down, you can place a couple of cushions below your feet to elevate them.
A week to a fortnight after injury, you should gradually start exercising the leg and knee. You can consult a physiotherapist for the best exercises to prevent fluid build-up and also to strengthen the muscles of your knee. You can start by walking on soft surfaces such as grass or specially made running tracks. There are some simple exercises you can do at home to improve your knee. The most effective are the hamstring stretch and the quadriceps stretch. For the hamstring stretch you need to lie on your back, raising your right leg and holding up your thigh with your hands. You should then gently straighten the knee till you feel the stretch in the muscles at the back of your thigh and slowly lower the leg after holding it for 15 to 20 seconds. You can repeat this 3 to 5 times for each leg. In the quadriceps stretch, you should stand with your right hand on the back of the chair and reach for your left heel using your right hand, pulling it towards your left buttock. Keep the knee pointed towards the floor and hold for 10 to 20 seconds till you feel the muscles in the front of the thigh stretching.
answered by G M