You may feel heavy walking around, making it a task. This is because of water buildup on your knee. The phenomenon is known as knee effusion, and this condition is caused because of a disorder known as arthritis.
Why Do We Have Water On The Knee?
Naturally, you do have some amount of liquid or water present in the knees. It serves the purpose of cushioning the blow during an impact; that fluid is named synovial fluid.
In arthritis patients, the body goes through excess inflammation because of certain triggers and starts producing additional fluid in response to it.
Accumulation of water on the knee might not seem much big of a deal, but it hinders the quality of life and presents the following symptoms:
- Stiffness
- Warmth
- Pain in the knee
- Tenderness
These symptoms limit the movement of an individual; walking, climbing the stairs, or even bending becomes problematic.
Causes of Water Growth around the Knee
Inflammatory disorders trigger extra lubricant secretion in the knee; some are mentioned below:
1. Gout, arthritis, and osteoarthritis
These are inflammatory disorders; the body undergoes inflammation and affects various joints. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage undergoes wear and tear. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis inflames the synovial joints. Increased inflammation needs more cushioning, leading to more water on the knee.
2. Bursitis
Bursae are tiny pockets filled with water inside the knee to embrace impact or sudden shocks and keep the joints lubricated. Bursae inflame because of constant impact, and the condition is called bursitis.
3. Baker’s Cyst
A cyst develops when the bursae situated at the back of the knee swell up, causing stiffness and making movement difficult.
Treatment
Some treatment options are:
1. NSAIDs
Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen is one of the best options for treating inflammation issues. However, its long-term use might cause side effects therefore it is better to look out for alternatives and not rely entirely on drugs.
2. Exercise
Unstable joints and weak muscles contribute to pain and swelling of the knee. Exercising regularly, especially aerobics, lowers the risk and is a cost-effective treatment option as well.
3. Water Drainage from the Knee
The physician should remove water accumulation from the knee. The drainage provides symptomatic pain relief. However, it is important to get to the root cause of this condition.
4. Knee Braces
In arthritis patients, knee braces greatly alleviate the pressure making it easier for the patient to move around.
5. R.I.C.E Treatment
RICE treatment does not involve eating rice dishes. It is an acronym for a multi-step process; rest ice compression elevation. RICE treatment is recommended for patients with mild strains or arthritis flare-up episodes.
Rest
Water on the knee causes stiffness and pain. Good rest for a week or two works well for mild cases. Recovery time slows down if the patient continues with their activities regardless of the pain.
Ice
Swelling hinders movement. Therefore, putting an ice pack on the affected area constricts the blood vessels reducing the protrusion providing relief.
Compression
Movement is necessary for blood circulation around the body. Pain and stiffness limits that, resulting in water or fluid buildup on the knee. Compression aids in the flow and works for the betterment of circulation.
Elevation
The elevation is moving the joint that works for the betterment of fluid distribution and its drainage.
If inflammation or water on the knee is increasing pain, making your daily routine difficult, head to Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Center for screening, our team of experts is here for your aid. Visit us or call for an appointment; we are located in Houston 281-252-8600 and Magnolia 281-252-8600 TX