The jumping, running and constant, sudden stops and turns during a game of basketball can place excessive stress on your knees. This can lead to pain, inflammation and even a buildup of fluid in your knee. This condition is commonly known as a knee effusion and can be the result of a variety of knee conditions. If you experience persistent knee pain and swelling, discontinue basketball and contact your physician.
Causes
Knee effusion can have several causes. Knee effusion can be the result of an overuse injury, traumatic injury or due to an underlying disease or condition. Damage to portions of your knee as the result of a fracture, meniscus tear, ligament injury or an overuse injury -- including tendinitis or bursitis -- can result in fluid buildup in your knee. Diseases can also cause knee effusion. These diseases and conditions can include infection, cysts, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bleed disorders and tumors within the knee.
Risk Factors
Certain individuals are more prone to developing fluid on the knee than others. Adults older than age 55 tend to be at an increased risk for developing fluid on the knee. Those who are obese also place themselves at greater risk for fluid on the knee. This is because excessive weight causes more wear and tear on the knees which can lead to conditions including arthritis. Those with arthritis are more prone to developing knee effusions, and playing basketball can result in a knee effusion. This is largely because of continuous changes in direction while on the court.
Symptoms
Swelling, stiffness and pain are the most common symptoms of fluid on the knee. Your affected knee is likely to appear larger than your healthy knee. and you will notice puffiness around the bones in your knee. As the result of excessive fluid, you might have difficulty bending and straightening your knee. Excessive fluid buildup can also lead to extreme pain especially when weight bearing. You may experience enough pain to the point were you cannot bear weight on your knee.
Diagnosis
Because fluid on the knee has a number of causes, your doctor may perform several tests to reach a diagnosis. These tests can include an X-ray, MRI, blood tests or joint aspiration. X-rays and MRIs are used to diagnosis broken bones, dislocations, arthritis and damage to your cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Blood tests can be used to determine infection, bleeding disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. Joint aspiration is used in diagnosing bleeding disorders and infections of your knee.
Treatment
The treatment for fluid on the knee largely depends on the reason why you are experiencing a knee effusion. Pain medications may be used in order to help control your pain. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications or prescribe a stronger anti-inflammatory medication. If you have an infection, antibiotics are likely to be used as part of your treatment. For inflammation as the result of an overuse injury, steroid injections may be used in order to help alleviate your pain. Your doctor may also opt to aspirate your knee in order to remove all of the fluid build up. For damage as the result of an injury, arthroscopic surgery may be performed. As a last resort for unmanageable pain and disability, a total joint replacement may be recommended.
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