a Small Bump on Your Knee: Causes and Next Steps - Orthopedics

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Hello! Thank you for your question regarding the small bump on your knee. Based on your description, it sounds like you may be experiencing a condition known as a "bursa" or possibly a ganglion cyst. Let's break down the potential causes and the next steps you should consider.


Possible Causes
1. Bursitis: The knee contains several bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between tissues. If one of these bursae becomes inflamed, it can lead to a condition called bursitis. This inflammation can cause swelling and tenderness, especially when pressure is applied or when the knee is bent.

2. Ganglion Cyst: These are non-cancerous lumps that can develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands, but they can also appear around the knee. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid and can vary in size. They may be movable and can cause discomfort, particularly when pressure is applied.

3. Lipoma: A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. These are usually soft, movable, and painless, but they can sometimes cause discomfort if they press on nearby structures.

4. Synovial Plica Syndrome: This condition occurs when the synovial plica, a fold in the lining of the knee joint, becomes irritated or inflamed. This can lead to pain and swelling, and sometimes a palpable bump can be felt.

5. Other Causes: Other potential causes could include a small hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels), a cyst, or even a small tumor.

Recommended Next Steps
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It’s important to see a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist. They can perform a physical examination and assess the bump's characteristics, such as its size, texture, and tenderness.

2. Imaging Studies: Depending on the initial examination, your doctor may recommend imaging studies such as an X-ray or an MRI. These tests can help visualize the structures in and around the knee joint, providing more information about the bump.

3. Aspiration: If the bump is fluid-filled, your doctor may suggest aspiration, which involves using a needle to withdraw fluid from the cyst or bursa. This can provide relief and also allow for analysis of the fluid to determine its nature.

4. Treatment Options: Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. If it’s bursitis, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended. For a ganglion cyst, observation may be sufficient, but if it causes significant discomfort, surgical removal might be considered.
5. Physical Therapy: If the bump is related to an underlying issue such as bursitis or synovial plica syndrome, physical therapy may help strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve knee function.


Conclusion
In summary, the small bump on your knee could be due to several reasons, including bursitis, a ganglion cyst, or other benign conditions. It’s crucial to seek medical advice to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and improve your knee function. Please make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms in detail. Thank you for your question, and I wish you a speedy recovery!