Knee effusion
Knee effusion, also known as water on the knee or swollen knee, is a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in or around the knee joint. This condition is a common symptom of underlying knee problems and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected joint.
Causes
There are several underlying conditions that can lead to knee effusion. These include:
- Injuries: Knee effusion can occur as a result of injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscal tears, fractures, or dislocations.
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint disease that can cause knee effusion, along with other symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to knee effusion.
- Gout: This is a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can lead to knee effusion.
- Infections: Bacterial or viral infections in the knee joint can also cause knee effusion.
Symptoms
The main symptom of knee effusion is swelling around the knee joint. This swelling may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Pain and tenderness: The affected knee may be painful to the touch or when moved.
- Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff and difficult to move, making it challenging to walk or perform daily activities.
- Limited range of motion: The knee may not be able to move through its full range of motion.
- Warmth: The skin around the knee joint may feel warm to the touch.
Diagnosis
To diagnose knee effusion, a doctor will perform a physical examination of the affected knee, looking for signs of swelling, tenderness, warmth, and limited range of motion. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to help determine the underlying cause of the knee effusion.
