Knee effusion is sometimes referred to as "water on the knee" and means that excess fluid has gathered around the knee joint. According to the April 15, 2000 issue of "American Family Physician," a publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a variety of medical conditions can cause effusion of the knee joint, including arthritis, overuse of the joint and infections. A specific treatment program for water on the knee will be determined according to the underlying condition that causes the edema, or swelling. Self-care steps may also be taken to help the injured knee heal in an efficient manner.
Step 1
Keep off your knee as much as possible while it is swollen. Resting the affected leg in an elevated position can help reduce the swelling.
Step 2
Ice your knee every few hours, for about 15 to 20 minutes each time. The ice pack will help manage both the pain and the swelling. Bags of frozen vegetables may conform to the shape of your knee more easily than a rigid ice pack.
Step 3
Treat the pain associated with knee effusion with medication. In most cases, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are sufficient and include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen. Use the drugs according to the directions on the packaging or as advised by your doctor.
Step 4
Discuss the idea of losing some weight, if applicable, with your doctor. Carrying around extra weight can put more pressure on all of the body's joints, especially the knees. A safe weight-loss program may help you reduce the pressure on your knees and eliminate the cause of the effusion.
Step 5
Manage underlying illnesses that may be contributing to the fluid retention around your knee joint. People with arthritis who deal with joint effusion on a regular basis may opt to have the fluid drained by a medical professional. Infections that lead to effusion may call for a round of antibiotics. Arthroscopic surgery may be performed on the knee joint if the cause for effusion is not known.
