To put it simply, effusion of the knee is the escape of fluid into the tissue. This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around the knee joint. A small amount of fluid naturally exists in normal joints, but when a joint is affected by arthritis, for example, abnormal amounts of fluid can build up causing the knee to become swollen around the top, outside and below your knee
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3. What is Effusion of the Knee?
To put it simply, effusion of the knee is the escape of fluid into
the tissue. This occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or
around the knee joint. A small amount of fluid naturally exists
in normal joints, but when a joint is affected by arthritis, for
example, abnormal amounts of fluid can build up causing the
knee to become swollen around the top, outside and below
your knee
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🔴Water on the Knee vs. Bursitis:
What's the difference?
It’s unclear what the difference between water on the knee, or
effusion, and knee bursitis is, but we’ve uncovered why: they’re
both the same thing. There is no difference between water on
the knee and knee bursitis.
➡️Knee bursitis is specifically explained as the inflammation of
a small fluid-filled sac situated near your knee joint and around
the kneecap. A bursa is the small sac that retains the fluid. The
fluid that fills the bursa is called synovial fluid.
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🔑Other names for water on the knee:
ℹ️ Effusion
ℹ️ Knee Bursitis
ℹ️ Prepatellar Bursitis
ℹ️ Swelling of the knee
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🔴Water on the Knee vs. Swelling of the
Knee: What is the difference?
There are two different types of swelling: edema and effusion.
Edema is swelling that occurs primarily in the soft tissues of the
body. Effusion is swelling or fluid in the joint space. So really,
there is no difference between water on the knee and swelling of
the knee. Effusion is just a specific type of swelling.
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Symptoms of Effusion:
➡️Swelling and redness of the skin
➡️Joint stiffness
➡️Difficulty straightening leg
➡️Pain and tenderness
➡️Knee is warm/hot to the touch
➡️Fluid build up
➡️Knee is large and puffy
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🔴What causes fluid on the knee?
The two main causes of effusion of the knee:
1️⃣ Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. There are
actually over one hundred different forms of arthritis. The
symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and stiffness.
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2 Injury to ligament
An injury to your ligament can occur in many different ways.
Ligaments in your knees include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL),
the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the lateral collateral ligament
(LCL), and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). This can occur while
on a run or other strenuous activities. The symptoms typically
include pain, a loud pop, swelling, looseness in the joint, and inability
to bear weight without pain.
🔑After any injury, swelling occurs because the body’s natural
reaction is to surround the knee with a protective fluid. This is when
effusion of the knee occurs.
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Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a joint effusion may involve a physical exam, imaging
tests, and lab evaluation of joint fluids.7 In addition, the doctor will
review your medical history, current health, and co-occurring
symptoms to arrive at a diagnosis.
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Physical Examination
The physical exam, in which the doctor will touch (palpate) and manipulate
the joint, can reveal a lot about the underlying cause of the condition. For
example:
With arthritis, the lubricating tissue between the joints, called the
synovium, will feel boggy. Moreover, with the exception of gout, the
swelling will be gradual rather than swift.
Joint infections tend to develop rapidly and cause excessive pain and
redness.
Acute swelling accompanied by the inability to bear weight may suggest a
torn ligament or fracture of the knee.
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Imaging Tests
Following the physical exam, imaging tests may be ordered to determine
the exact cause of the effusion. Each test has its benefits and limitations:
Ultrasonography uses sound waves to visualize bone and connective
tissues. It can be used to confirm arthritis or the inflammation of tendons
or ligaments. While non-invasive and portable, an ultrasound poses a
disadvantage as it is less able to visualize soft tissues than other forms of
imaging.
X-rays and computed tomography (CT), both of which expose you to
ionizing radiation, are best suited for diagnosing and characterizing bone
fractures and arthritis.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which utilizes magnetic fields and
radio waves, is able to visualize soft tissue, cartilage, and joint
structures that the other tests can't. On the downside, the procedure
can be costly and will sometimes involve the use of intravenous
contrast agent.
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Joint Fluid Analysis
In the course of diagnosing your condition, your doctor may
want to drain (aspirate) fluid from the joint space, known as
synovial fluid, to help alleviate pressure and pain. The
procedure, referred to arthrocentesis, may also be used to
obtain a fluid sample for evaluation in the lab.
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Cloudy fluid may suggest rheumatoid arthritis due to inflammatory
increases in white blood cells (generally over 10,000 per cubic
millimeters).
Yellow-green fluid may suggest an infection, particularly if the white
blood cell count (WBC) is greater than 20,000 per cubic millimeter. Traces
of pus may also be seen.
Golden fluid is commonly associated with gout. Microscopic
examination may also reveal needle-like uric acid crystals.
Bloody or pink fluid is the classic sign of a joint injury.
Clear fluid is typically seen with osteoarthritis since it doesn't involve any
inflammation. The WBC will usually be below 2,000.
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Treatment
Most treatments for knee joint effusion are based on the cause of the
condition, so treatment varies for each individual.
A physical therapist can advise on exercises and fitness activities to
strengthen the area and support the weakened knee.
Sometimes, a series of corticosteroid injections is prescribed, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or antibiotics to reduce inflammation or
treat an infection. For others, knee surgery or even joint replacement may be
necessary.
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Many people with water on the knee will need to have the
excess fluid removed; this will be done by aspiration.
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Prevention
While joint effusion can’t always be avoided, there are things you can
do to significantly lower your risk
Lose weight, if needed, to reduce stress on the hips and lower
extremities.
Embark on a low-impact exercise plan if you're experiencing pain in the
knee, hip, or ankle. Avoid heavy weightlifting or deep squats.
Use resistance training to strengthen muscles in and around your joint.
This may include using a leg extension machine for the knees or
resistance band training for the shoulder and rotator cuff.
Perform gentle knee and shoulder stretches before exercise or
throughout the day if you're sitting at a desk for a long period of time.
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Use an elastic knee support or elbow brace when engaging in
contact sports or manual labor.
Never exceed your physical capabilities, especially as you get older.
This may involve changing the types of sports you engage in (such
as switching from running to cycling).
Don't strain to reach for something. Use a stool for hard-to-reach
items.
Listen to your body. If you experience any acute or persistent joint
pain, get it checked by a doctor sooner rather than later.