Differential Diagnosis for Right Knee Pain/Swelling/Hot
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition, especially in older adults, characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes warmth due to inflammation.
- Meniscal Tear: A tear in the meniscus, which is the cartilage that cushions the joint, can cause pain, swelling, and a sensation of heat due to inflammation, especially if the tear is acute.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ligament Sprain: Injury to the ligaments surrounding the knee can cause pain, swelling, and warmth, depending on the severity of the sprain.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the knee, often due to overuse or repetitive strain, can lead to pain, swelling, and a feeling of heat.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the knee joint can cause pain, swelling, and warmth.
- Gout or Pseudogout: These are forms of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often occurring at the base of the big toe but can also affect the knee.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within the joint space, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent joint destruction and systemic complications.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although more commonly associated with leg swelling and pain, DVT can sometimes present with knee pain and swelling if the clot is located near the knee.
- Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis): A condition where the bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply, which can cause knee pain and may be precipitated by trauma or steroid use.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hemarthrosis: Bleeding into the joint space, which can be due to trauma, bleeding disorders, or anticoagulant therapy, leading to sudden onset of pain and swelling.
- Synovial Chondromatosis: A rare condition where cartilage grows inside the synovium, leading to multiple loose bodies within the joint, causing pain, swelling, and locking of the knee.
- Knee Hemangioma: A benign vascular tumor that can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes a feeling of warmth due to increased blood flow to the area.