The knee is one of the most punished joints in sports. A constant impact, a bad turn or a blow can cause a significant injury. Many of you will know about having fluid in the knee, but what exactly is it? Why is it produced?
Although it sounds like a worrying injury, synovial fluid is present in every joint in the body. The problem arises when it accumulates or comes out of the bursa that contains it. Below we will tell you everything about this topic to clear up doubts and avoid worsening pain with physical activity or poor performance.
Why does the fluid appear in the knee?
The increase in size of the knee is not normal, so if this happens we should be alert. If the swelling is accompanied by pain and a higher temperature, we will be facing a joint effusion. That is, our knee will have been filled with synovial fluid.
Synovial fluid is present in most joints in the body, so under normal conditions we also have it. This liquid is responsible for keeping the joint lubricated to avoid excessive friction between its different structures. And, as you well know, the knee is not a bone, but a set of bones.
When our knee increases in size it is due to some Trauma or stress maintained over time. So its normal functioning is disturbed and the absorption of the liquid is also affected. The body begins to produce more fluid than necessary and does not have time to reabsorb it, so it invades the joint space and increases its size considerably.
Synovitis is also common in people suffering from some form of inflammatory arthritis. In these patients, the overgrowth of the synovial membrane is part of an abnormal immune response, where the body misidentifies its own natural cartilage as a foreign substance that must be attacked. Loss of cartilage damages the joint surface and leads to the stiffness and pain characteristic of all types of arthritis.
Actually the accumulation of fluid can occur for many reasons. For example: bone fractures, tears, bursitis, cysts, tendonitis, gout, osteoarthritis, arthritis, tumors, infections, etc.
What are the most common symptoms?
The main symptom is arthralgia, or what is the same "joint pain". The pain of synovitis is usually more intense than expected depending on the joint in which it occurs. The symptoms are usually short-lived and can be felt in different parts of the body at different times. However, when the accumulation of synovial fluid is caused by overuse of a joint, the pain usually remains in one place.
However, a rheumatologist will attempt to diagnose the cause of a patient's pain by first determining if it is within the joint itself. That is, it will analyze if it is a true synovitis, or if it is actually caused by an inflammation of the tendons, known as tendonitis. Imaging tests, such as an MRI or musculoskeletal ultrasound, will usually be done to make a firm diagnosis.
And yes, fluid in the knee can get worse if the problem is not addressed. A bacterial infection could spread and cause permanent damage. A meniscus tear can cause long-term debilitating pain and loss of mobility if left untreated. That's why it's important to get an immediate diagnosis from a health care provider.
How do I know if I have liquid?
Anyone can have knee pain for a few days. In many cases, elevation, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers will improve symptoms. However, there are other warning signs that we should see a doctor as soon as possible:
- We know we suffered a serious knee injury.
- We cannot bend or straighten the knee.
- We cannot stand or walk comfortably for more than a few minutes.
- The knee is warm to the touch, red, or larger than the other.
- Knee pain and tenderness do not improve.
The doctor will want to know the history of pathologies. It is advisable to communicate any previous problems with the knees and the physical activities that we do, such as sports, that can stress the knees. They will also perform a complete physical exam, including checking range of motion.
Next, a doctor may want to remove fluid from the knee. This is done by inserting a long, thin needle into the joint and drawing out fluid. It can be done right in the doctor's office in a matter of minutes.
The fluid can be tested to see if there are bacteria that may be causing infections, if there are crystals, proteins, and glucose that may indicate gout or other conditions, or if there are blood cells that may indicate injury. Removing some of the fluid can also relieve pressure on the knee.
Some imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds can help determine the cause of the problem.
Treatment for fluid in the knee
Even if you think you have fluid in the knee due to a self-analysis, it is mandatory to see a doctor to confirm your diagnosis through x-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs. It is very important that the origin of the lesion is known in order to treat it in its entirety.
Probably a fluid extraction will be carried out to find out if there is presence of blood, bacteria or crystals (in the case of gout).
The usual thing is to carry out a treatment with analgesics (relieve discomfort), anti-inflammatory or, resort to surgery. It is very important to prevent this injury by performing low-impact exercises, strengthening the muscles that surround the knee, maintaining a healthy weight and eating correctly. Of course, avoid carrying heavy weights, apply ice to reduce pain and inflammation, rest with your legs elevated, and follow a diet that helps reduce fluid retention.
Recovery time will depend on the cause and treatment of the knee effusion. A patient undergoing an extraction should wear a small bandage to keep the area dry and clean. Strenuous exercise, such as jumping, should be avoided for the first 2 days or for as long as your doctor recommends. Some people are likely to continue to experience pain. If this happens, the doctor will prescribe medication to relieve it.
Along with any type of medical care, knee joint effusion responds well to simple self-care measures, such as repose y elevation, ice and adequate exercise. As with any injury, ice should only be applied to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and never directly on the skin. Place the ice pack on a towel or cloth to prevent burns to the dermis.
Can it be prevented?
Avoiding sudden jolting movements and hard running surfaces can help prevent knee injuries. Obesity also puts pressure on this vulnerable joint, so a weight loss it can help. Exercises considered best for the knees include small (shallow) knee bends and straightening movements performed with most of the weight on the outside of the foot.
Sports that are easier on the knees include walk, swim (flutter kicks, stretched knees), skating, baseball, cross-country skiing, and depending on knee condition, horseback riding bike (high seat, low gear and avoiding hills). Choose activities that suit your own knee strength and ability, and remember that sports that are especially hard on the knees include soccer, sprinting, soccer, rugby, hockey, squash, volleyball, basketball, skiing. alpine, tennis and jogging or anything that releases, hits, or twists the knees.
However, if you think that you may have a high chance of having this joint problem, it is best to go to a specialist to assess your case.