Water on the Knee

What is water on the knee, and how is it treated?

Water on the knee is a common issue that can cause significant discomfort and impact your day-to-day activities. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, when you should seek medical attention, and how orthopedists treat it.

Are you looking for expert care in Columbus, OH? Our team of orthopedists at OrthoNeuro is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and discuss treatment options.

What is Water on the Knee?

Clinically known as knee effusion or a joint effusion, water on the knee occurs when excess synovial fluid accumulates inside or around the knee joint. Under normal conditions, synovial fluid lubricates the joint, reducing friction and nourishing cartilage.

However, when the synovial lining is irritated, such as through injury or inflammation, it can overproduce this fluid, resulting in a swollen knee, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight.

What Causes Water on the Knee?

A variety of factors can lead to fluid buildup, including:

Injury: Sudden trauma, meniscus tear, or torn ligament (ACL, MCL), often in contact sports, can trigger bleeding or inflammation inside the joint.
Overuse: Repetitive stress or physical activity can irritate the joint, causing fluid accumulation.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout (characterized by uric acid crystals), and pseudogout inflame the synovial lining, leading to increased fluid.
Infections: Septic arthritis causes rapid swelling, pain, and warmth—an emergency requiring prompt care.
Other conditions, such as bursitis, a Baker’s cyst, tumors, or fluid accumulation after knee replacement surgery, can also cause effusion.

Sometimes, autoimmune diseases trigger repeated or chronic effusions.

When Should I Talk to a Doctor about Water on the Knee?

When mild swelling appears after minor activity, you might manage it with at-home treatments. But reach out to a healthcare provider or orthopedist if you notice:

Severe knee pain, redness, or heat are signs of a potential infection.
Fever, chills, or sudden inability to bear weight or move the knee.
Symptoms of a torn ligament, severe injury, or post-knee replacement surgery complications.
Recurring effusion or chronic swelling, possibly pointing to arthritis or an underlying disease.

If home remedies fail after a few days or symptoms worsen, it’s time to consult a professional. Early treatment can prevent joint damage or permanent issues.

How Water on the Knee is Diagnosed

Your provider will use the following methods to diagnose water on the knee:

Medical History and Physical Examination: You will discuss your health history, symptoms, and medical conditions. The doctor will perform a hands-on physical exam, including the patellar tap or bulge sign to detect effusion.
Imaging tests: X-rays are used to detect fractures or arthritis. An ultrasound may be used to assess fluid or guide needle procedures. An MRI is used to diagnose damage to soft tissue or the meniscus.
Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis): A sterile, hollow needle is used to drain fluid, relieving pressure and pain. The fluid is sent for laboratory analysis to detect infection, crystals, or inflammation.
Fluid analysis: Synovial fluid testing can reveal uric acid crystals, signs of septic arthritis, or indicators of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases.

How Does an Orthopedist Treat Fluid on the Knee?

OrthoNeuro orthopedists utilize a comprehensive approach that may include the following:

Medications: They may prescribe pain relievers, NSAIDs, antibiotics for infection, and corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. Patients with RA may receive DMARDs.
Supportive care: A knee brace or elastic bandage may be recommended. You will be encouraged to take home measures such as elevation, ice packs, and offloading from weight-bearing activities.
Physical therapy: Tailored exercises will be given to improve strength, flexibility, and reduce swelling. This can include water aerobics for gentle movement.
Surgical interventions: When necessary, our orthopedic surgeons perform knee arthroscopy. This may involve using a lighted tube to clean or repair the joint. In some cases, knee replacement may be recommended for severe arthritis damage.

How Can I Prevent Fluid on the Knee?

Reducing the risk of knee effusion involves healthy habits and smart precautions:

Maintain a healthy weight to minimize joint stress.
Choose low-impact exercises like swimming or water aerobics over high-stress activities.
Wear sturdy footwear and, if needed, a knee brace during contact sports or repetitive physical tasks.
Stretch and strengthen muscles around the knee with regular physical therapy or home routines.
Use proper body mechanics during tasks. Avoid twisting or sudden force under bearing weight.
Treat injuries promptly to avoid issues like infection or chronic swelling.
Do periodic physical exams for athletes or people with arthritis to catch early joint changes.

Key Takeaways

Water on the knee, or knee effusion, is excess synovial fluid in the knee joint, often triggered by injury, arthritis, or infection.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, stiffness, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the joint.
Seek prompt attention if you have intense knee pain, signs of infection, or symptoms like fever or inability to walk.
OrthoNeuro orthopedists diagnose with exams and imaging, use joint aspiration, and treat with medication, supportive care, physical therapy, and surgery as needed.
Prevent fluid buildup through weight management, low-impact exercise, protective gear, and proper treatment of injuries.

Call OrthoNeuro today or schedule a consultation online if you have any knee pain, swelling, or signs of fluid accumulation.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Knee Specialist Today!

If you’re dealing with a swollen knee, joint effusion, or another knee concern, OrthoNeuro is here to help. Our Columbus, OH specialists provide expert care, from thorough physical examinations and joint aspiration, to personalized therapy and advanced treatments like knee arthroscopy or knee replacement surgery.

Medically reviewed by Brian Skura, DO

Sources

Knee Specialists

IF YOU HAVE A SEVERE KNEE INJURY OR CHRONIC KNEE PAIN THAT REDUCES YOUR MOBILITY OR QUALITY OF LIFE, CONTACT ORTHONEURO TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION. OUR EXPERT ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS ARE ON HAND TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT YOUR KNEE PROBLEM.