Water On The Knee

What is Water on the Knee?

Water on the knee is a generic term used by people for excess accumulation of fluid in or around the knee joint. In medical terms, this condition is known as 'knee effusion'. The lining of the knee joint capsule produces fluid, which helps to lubricate the moving parts of the knee joint and nourishes the cartilage. Certain diseases and injuries cause excessive joint fluid to be produced, which accumulates causing swelling.

Water on the Knee Causes

Water on the knees can be as a result of trauma, overuse injuries or due to an underlying disease or condition. Usually arthritis causes this problem. If the patient suffers from knee arthritis, fluid accumulation within the joint is a common finding. Traumatic injuries to the knee joint can also cause accumulation of either fluid or blood within the knee joint. The common injuries, which cause fluid accumulation are broken bones, meniscus tear and ligament injuries. Tearing of small blood vessels, can also cause fluid accumulation within the knee.

Underlying diseases and conditions may also produce fluid buildup in and around the knee joint. The conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, gout, pseudogout, bursitis, cysts, tumors, bleeding disorders, infectious arthritis, etc. Infectious arthritis may either be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi. Bacteria in the bloodstream can spread to a joint, which can cause infectious arthritis.

Water on the Knee Symptoms

The most common symptom of water on the knee is joint swelling. The affected knee appears larger than the other knee, due to swelling. Puffiness around the bony parts of the knee appears prominent, when it is compared with the other knee. Bending or straightening the knee becomes a problem when there is excessive fluid accumulation in the knee joint. The other symptom is pain in the knee joint. The pain will vary depending on the cause of the fluid buildup. The pain can severe as that the person finds it difficult to bear body weight on the knee.

Water on the Knee Treatment

Water on the knee home treatment includes rest and cold therapy. When there is swelling on the knee joint accompanied by pain, it is recommended to avoid weight bearing activities as much as possible. Walking should also be reduced to as minimum as possible. Cold therapy is one of the best water on the knee treatment, as it helps in controlling pain and swelling. Application of ice for 15 to 20 minutes every 3 hours is recommended. Frozen vegetables or iced towel cooled in the freezer can also be used. When you are applying ice, ensure the knee is raised to a higher level than the level of the heart. Over-the-counter medications can be used for pain relief.

Water on the knee remedies depend on cause of the problem. Treatment involves treating the underlying condition causing the problem and reducing swelling. If the swelling is particularly painful, fluid may have to be aspirated from the knee joint for quick relief. Depending on the cause of the problem, fluid may re-accumulate. Over-the-counter pain medications may sometimes be helpful in treating the condition. In case these medications do not work, your doctor may prescribe stronger drugs to help control the pain. If infection is the cause of the problem, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the infection. Water on the knee exercises can be prescribed by the doctor for faster relief from the problem.

It is recommended to seek advice from the doctor if water on the knee is taking too long to cure. With the help of various tests, the doctor will be in a better position to treat the condition.