Inflammation: Friend or Foe? No one likes a swollen knee, but post-injury inflammation is a critical part of the healing process. When tissues are damaged, the body releases pro-inflammatory cytokines, signaling the immune system to respond. This response increases blood flow, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to clear debris and kickstart tissue repair. Swelling occurs due to vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) and increased capillary permeability, which allows immune cell