Knee Joint Effusion

Knee effusion is also known colloquially as 'water on the knee', and is characterized mainly by swelling on and around the knee joint. It is most often a result of excess fluid accumulation, which gives rise to this swelling. Knee joint effusion can be caused by a number of factors, such as trauma resulting in injury, tears in a ligament or tendon, or arthritis.

Under normal situations, a small amount of fluid surrounds the joints, however, certain situations cause the body to produce abnormal amounts of fluid as a protective measure. In case of some types of arthritis, for instance, tissues that surround the affected joint produce excess fluid, which in turn leads to swelling around the knee joint. Although swelling is the most common symptom, this condition may also cause bruising, discomfort, and pain. The following are some details pertaining to joint effusion, its causes, treatment, and care.

The most common cause is trauma or an injury to the joint, ligament, or tendon, causing fluid build up. The type of fluid that forms around the affected joint can differ according to the condition that is causing it, and it is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to identify the underlying condition, if any. 

The causes could also include a broken bone or torn ligament, which can be brought on as a result of a fall, blow, or overuse and strain following periods of high physical activity. In some cases, knee effusion can be caused by a systemic disease. Should there be internal capillary rupture or bleeding, there may be externally visible bruising as well. In addition, there may also exist a condition called chondromalacia, also known as 'runner's knee', which causes degeneration of the cartilage on the anterior surface that surrounds and protects the knee cap.

In addition, joint effusion causes include the following:

• Various types of arthritis
• Gout
• Tumors
• Cysts
• Infection
• Kneecap Bursitis
• Obesity

The typical symptom that accompanies this effusion is swelling. However, it can also be accompanied by pain when the joint is in use, which passes on relaxation - this is a typical symptom of osteoarthritis. Stiffness can also cause an awkward, stilted gait, and difficulty when straightening the knee.

There may also be bruises along the sides and the back of the joint, accompanied by severe discomfort and pain. If the causative agent is a bacterial or viral infection, symptoms may include fever, chills, weakness, muscle cramps, aches, and spasms.

The treatment focuses on reducing the joint swelling and treating the underlying cause. In many cases, draining the fluid from the joint may be the course of action recommended - this is known as aspiration. It can result in a reduction of the pressure that a fluid build up may cause, leading to relief from knee pain. In addition, pathological testing of the fluid may help in the identification of the causative agent.

Should the pain be severe or continue post drainage, treatment may also include the injection of corticosteroids or NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which work as anti-inflammatory agents, and also reduce the risk of further fluid accumulation. Cold compresses may also help in pain reduction along with elevating the knee above the level of the heart, and using light bandages around the joint.

In case of bacterial infections, even a small effusion may require antibiotics to be prescribed along with extended periods of rest, to avoid any stress to the joint. OTC analgesics like Tylenol may also help in immediate joint pain relief.

Although knee joint effusion can occur as a result of age, and wear and tear as well, people who are especially prone to this, are those who are involved in high-intensity physical activity, like sports persons and athletes.

People who play football and other contact sports are especially at risk, particularly for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, as are athletes and runners who train on a regular basis. Warm up exercises form an important preventive factor as far as injuries go, and are imperative before any form of physical exercise.

Most often, this condition is not a serious concern and can be fairly easily cured.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.