Excess knee fluid, also known as water on the knee, can result from injury, infection, or underlying disease. Medical help should be sought to prevent permanent loss of mobility and chronic pain. Treatment may include surgery, medication, or lifestyle changes.
Knee fluid is a term that usually refers to the excessive buildup of fluid in the knee joint that results from an injury or illness. The joints in the body contain small amounts of a thick, gel-like substance known as synovial fluid that helps lubricate and protect joint tissue. In normal amounts, synovial fluid reduces friction between bones and helps prevent erosion of articular cartilage. When a joint like the knee is injured, the body tends to produce excess synovial fluid in an attempt to protect it. However, this often leads to further problems, such as swelling and loss of mobility.
A buildup of fluid in the knee is often known as water on the knee and can be caused by a direct injury, infection, or underlying disease. Trauma from a fall or sports injury often causes severe pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. In some cases, swelling and soreness can be so severe that it makes it impossible to walk or even bend the knee. Conditions unrelated to injury, such as osteoarthritis, gout, and tumors, usually have very similar symptoms. A bacterial or viral infection can also lead to inflammation of the knee joint and cause the body to produce excess knee fluid.
It is important for a person to seek medical help when they feel water on their knee. Without treatment, an injured knee can lead to permanent loss of mobility and chronic pain that gets worse. A doctor typically conducts a physical exam, orders blood tests, and takes X-rays to help determine the exact causes of excess knee fluid. If tendons, muscles, or cartilage have been damaged due to an injury, your doctor may suggest surgery or simply recommend that you rest and apply ice to the joint. When a doctor suspects an infection, arthritis, or gout, the patient is usually prescribed specialized oral medications to relieve pain and other symptoms.
Long-term and recurrent knee fluid buildup can usually be prevented by carefully following a doctor’s orders. An overweight person can be instructed to start dieting and exercising to relieve tension. Athletes and other active people may need to stretch before events and wear knee pads to provide extra cushioning and support. Individuals who are susceptible to arthritis and gout, especially older people, may need to take nutritional supplements, exercise regularly, and schedule regular checkups with their doctors to make sure joint problems don’t get worse over time.
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