Water on the Knee Treatment

Water on the knee is the general term that refers to the swelling of the knee due to the accumulation of excess fluid in or around the knee joints. The lining of the knee joint capsule usually produces a lubricating fluid, known as synovial fluid. This fluid facilitates the movement of the knee joints and also nourishes the cartilage. But, some factors like injuries, infection or certain diseases can cause this fluid to be produced excessively leading to its accumulation. This condition is also known as knee effusion.

Knee Effusion Causes
Sometimes, accumulation of fluid in the knee joints can be caused by physical injuries or trauma. Injuries caused by overuse of the knee, fracture, or cartilage tear can result in the damage of tissues and capillaries of the knee, leading to leakage and build up of tissue fluid. Among diseases, arthritis is the main disease related with knee swelling and fluid build up. Osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease, causes chronic breakdown of cartilage of the joints and has been found to be one of the causes of water on the affected knee.

Gout is another disease associated with knee effusion, where uric acid crystals build up in the knee joints due to the defects in uric acid metabolism. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which can also cause inflammation and fluid accumulation in knee joints. Many times, it has been found that bacteria can spread to the joints from the bloodstream and cause a disease known as bacterial arthritis. People with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to be affected by bacterial arthritis. Apart from these, pseudogout, cysts, and tumors are some other causes of knee effusion.

Knee Effusion Symptoms
Pain, swelling, as well as stiffness, are the common symptoms of this condition. The pain caused by this condition has been observed to subside with rest. Along with swelling, one can feel puffiness around the bony parts of the knee. Build up of fluid in the knee joints can greatly affect the movement of an individual and the person may experience stiffness or great difficulty in bending or straightening his knee. If fluid accumulation is the result of injury, then bruising can be easily noticed and in such a situation, it would be quite impossible to bear weight on the injured knee.

Treatment for Knee Effusion
As it can be caused by several factors, it is quite important to determine the underlying causes to ensure proper treatment and speedy recovery. Diagnosis for knee effusion generally involves several tests such as X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), blood test, and joint aspiration. Depending on the underlying causes, the treatment can differ significantly. A large build up of fluid along with severe inflammation will require aspiration. Physicians can sometimes administer a corticosteroid injection after aspirating the excess fluid, if inflammation is very severe in nature. An examination of this fluid can help to detect if infection is present. If infection is confirmed, then it can be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

However, if knee effusion is the result of gout or pseudogout, then it would require different treatment options, as both the conditions cause uric acid crystals to accumulate in the knee joints. Corticosteroid injections, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and colchicine are some common medications used for treating gout or pseudogout. Allopurinol or probenecid are the drugs that can help to lower the production of uric acid and hence can be used to prevent the recurrence of gout related knee effusion.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is another treatment option, where the surgeon uses a surgical tool, known as an arthroscope, to examine the condition of the knee joints. This instrument can also be used to repair any damage inside the knee joint. But, if all the treatment options fail to provide relief from the intolerable pain, and it becomes completely impossible to stand or bear weight on the knee joints, then knee replacement may be required.

The main risk factors are osteoarthritis, gout and injury of the knees. Obese people are also likely to experience this problem over a period of time, due to the excess weight or pressure put on the knee while walking or doing any other activity. Losing weight by exercising can help in this regard, but make sure that you do not injure or overuse your knees while doing so. People falling in the risk zone for knee effusion should always remain vigilant against the disease and report any kind of knee problem immediately to their physicians. As far as treatment and medications are concerned, follow the advice of your physician and refrain from self-medicating.