My daughter is being seen for possible jra and both her knees look swollen but how can i tell if they really are swollen?

Can't bend complete: Swollen knees due to fluid (effusion) in the knee often prevent the person from bending the knee completely with a sensation of being full. See a doctor for an examination and they should be able to tell.

It can be difficult : Most patients have contours around the patella that are lost when there is an effusion in the knee. Swelling is non - specific symptom and may or may not be related to a juvenile rheumatologic condition.