Symptoms of Joint Effusion of the Knee

(405 Words)
Joint effusion of the knee occurs when water accumulates near the knee. A variety of factors can cause this condition including injury from overuse, traumatic injury, infection and disease. There are a number of symptoms that characterize this disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the hallmark signs of joint effusion of the knee is swelling. The water in the knee will cause it to appear larger. You will best be able to see this if you place your knees next to each other and compare them. This puffiness may be around the bones.
Stiffness is another very common symptom of joint effusion of the knee. Because liquid is surrounding the joint, you may not be able to move it as you normally can. You may have trouble bending and extending your knee. Your range of motion can be limited.
Pain is another very common symptom of joint effusion of the knee This may be a mild pain or it may be so severe that you cannot bear to put any weight on the joint at all.
In severe cases, the underlying problem can do much worse than cause joint effusion of the knee. For instance, an unchecked infection can get out of control and damage your knee joint. Another less common but more serious symptom occurs when one knee is warm to the touch. It may be red. When this occurs you should contact your health care provider immediately. You may need to get emergency medical attention.
A number of treatments can be utilized for joint effusion of the knee. Sometimes the underlying condition will be treated. For instance, if you have an infection you will be prescribed antibiotics. Pain medication can help with the pain. Corticosteroids provide anti-inflammatory relief. In joint aspiration the doctor uses a needle to physically withdraw liquid from the knee. Anthroscopy allows the physician to look inside of the joint to view and repair damage. In more serious cases, the doctor may suggest a complete joint replacement.
The symptoms of joint effusion of the knee can range in both amount and severity. When you are experiencing symptoms, you should make sure to rest. Elevating your knee and applying ice may also help to reduce some of the pain and swelling associated with this condition. Talk to your physician about the symptoms you are experiencing so that he or she can direct you to the best course of treatment.