Fluid on The Knee

oint effusion is also referred to as "water on the knee" and "fluid on the knee. The fluid serves two main functions. One function of the fluid is to help lubricate the cartilage surfaces, so they move smoothly. In fact, normal cartilage that is lubricated by normal joint fluid (called "synovial fluid") is many times more slippery than a hockey puck gliding across a smooth ice rink. The other function of the fluid is to help nourish and protect the cartilage surfaces of the joint. Water on the knee is a generic term used by people to describe knee swelling.

When excess fluid accumulates either in or around the knee joint, this is called water on the knee. Cause of water on the knee is usually arthritis (Osteoarthritis is the most common type of knee arthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by knee arthritis, bare bone is exposed within the joint ).When patients have knee arthritis, fluid accumulation within the joint is a common finding. Knee arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. Traumatic injuries can also cause accumulation of either fluid or blood within the joint. Meniscus tears and ligament injuries can cause fluid to collect. Excess fluid around the joint can accumulate in the bursa, a condition called prepatellar bursitis . While the fluid is not actually within the knee joint itself, prepatellar bursitis also causes swelling, or water on the knee.

Patients with severe arthritis may eventually require surgery to treat their condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs (pronounced en-sayds) are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with orthopedic problems such as arthritis. These medications are available over-the-counter (e.g. Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve) or as a prescription (e.g. Celebrex, DayPro, Relafen). Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names (e.g. Celestone, Kenalog, etc.), but is a close derivative of your body's own product.

Treatment of water on the knee depends on the underlying problem. In cases of knee arthritis , the fluid may be drained from the knee. Patients are usually given anti-inflammatory medications or perhaps a cortisone injection. The most significant differences are that synthetic cortisone is not injected into the blood stream, but into a particular area of inflammation. Most common reason for needing total knee replacement surgery is knee osteoarthritis , or degenerative joint disease. This is often referred to as 'wear and tear' arthritis, although these days we are beginning to understand that osteoarthritis is more than simply a condition of joint aging . As the cartilage surface on the ends of the bones is worn away, the normal mechanics of the knee joint are altered.

Causes of Water Knee

• Arthritis.
• Ligament injuries.
• Prepatellar Bursitis

Symptoms of Water knee

• Popping.
• Crunching/Grinding.
• Locking
• Swelling.
• Instability.

Treatment of Water knee

• Anti-inflammatory medications.
• Cortisone injection.
• Surgery.

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