“What does it mean when your knee is swollen but doesn't hurt?”

A swollen knee, even if it's not painful, is usually a sign that something is going on inside your knee joint. Something is irritating the joint and causing it to swell. Could be as simple as regular inflammation or a little arthritis, or more complex like a cartilage tear or a sign of a systemic issue like Lyme disease or a medical condition. Best to have it fully evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon.

There is something abnormal in the knee which needs evaluation.

Painless swelling in the knee joint or surrounding structures could represent inflammation from overuse; a systemic condition associated with arthritis or an idiosyncratic response. If it continues, it warrants a medical evaluation.

Good luck,

Dr. L

We all have a thin layer of fluid in our joints to lubricate, add nutrition, and aid the joint function. If the joint becomes irritated for any reason, more of this joint fluid is produced. Excess fluid can occur from overuse, trauma, arthritis and other reasons all which may not cause pain. Start by trying to figure out what may cause this and modify activity until the swelling resolves. Ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory may help. Good exercise with stretch and strengthening is good. Become concerned and seek evaluation if after 6 weeks there is any pain, catching, locking up, or giving way.
Good luck.