“Water on the knee” is a general term used to describe excess fluid that accumulates in the knee joints. This fluid can collect from an injury that may cause rheumatic diseases. It also depends the type of liquid accumulated.
Signs and symptoms associated with knee effusion:
- Pain: the more fluid is, the greater the intensity and pain
- Inflammation: appears more swollen than the other knee
- Stiffness: when water accumulates in the knee joint movement capability is limited. In other words you can not fully stretch the knee
We must remember that the knee is the most complex joint in the body. It works like a hinge, allowing the knee to bend and stretch. Regardless of the affected knee, this can lead to excess accumulation of fluid in the joints (synovial). Some examples of injuries that trigger water retention are knee fracture, meniscus tear, ligament rupture.
The most common cause of knee problems is osteoarthritis. It is characterized by deterioration of cartilage that protects and wrap the joint surfaces. Some conditions that cause water to accumulate in the knee:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Infection
- Gout
- Pseudoguta
- Bursitis
- Tumors
- Cysts.
When you go to the doctor? Here are some situations where you have to go to a consultation:
- When you hit the knee
- If medication does not diminish pain and inflammation of the knee
- When is warmer to the touch, compared with other knee.
How is it diagnosed? The doctor will examine the knee carefully and recommend tests necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests include:
- X-rays – to check if you have not broken or dislocated joints or unless you suffer from arthritis
- MRI – detects possible deformities in the bones and joints, such as rupture of ligaments, tendons or cartilage
- Arthrocentesis (aspiration of joint fluid) – by the doctor with a needle and a sterile syringe harvesting of joint fluid for laboratory analysis
These help in the detection of bacteria cultures, such as an examination of crystals of uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate.
Water on the knee can affect mobility, if you don’t take the necessary measures and to start a correct treatment. If joints are affected by an infection can lead to deterioration of the bone, causing inflammation of bone (osteomyelitis).
Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee did not require surgery. But if the body is unbearable to support your knee, your doctor may refer you to a joint replacement surgery.
