Authored by Donna Ryan in Diseases 
Published on 11-02-2009

Water on the knee is another name for knee effusion and refers to edema around the knee joint. Normally, water on the knee or knee effusion is a result of injury, trauma or arthritis. If you’re suffering from this type of condition, symptoms can include stiffness, pain, bruising and the telltale swelling. Sports injuries can also be a cause leading to knee effusion. With respect to disease, osteoarthritis is the main culprit that causes water on the knee although the problem can occur as a result of rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, cysts or gout.

To remedy the condition, it’s important to see a health professional to determine the best kind of treatment plan. Being overweight can exacerbate the problem so a weight loss program is recommended if you’re suffering from this problem and are carrying excess pounds. In the interim, elevating your leg when you sit or lie down can help immensely in reducing the pain or swelling. An ice pack is also beneficial when you’re resting.

Obviously, the above measures can bring some modicum of relief. Nonetheless, as stated, it’s important to see a physician to determine the cause and the best treatment plan. To keep the condition in check it’s best to see a health professional on a regular basis and take the necessary measures to prevent future problems. If you’re overweight, this means losing weight as excess weight can put stress on the knee joint. If you smoke or drink, you should cut down or quit these habits as well. Maintaining a healthier lifestyle and resting the knee are important corrective solutions to alleviating the problem of knee effusion.

One can also gain some relief by wearing a knee brace. A knee brace helps reduce the pain associated with knee effusion and offers the wearer more balance.

Shy away from such exercises as weight lifting or running as these activities can further damage the knee joint. To avoid added pressure in this area, the best exercise is normally walking to strengthen and tone the muscles surrounding knee. Nevertheless, check with a health professional before pursuing any exercise plan.

Conclusively, to relieve the swelling of knee effusion, it’s best to keep your knee elevated when at rest and use an ice pack. By eating nutritionally and watching your weight, you can also effect a cure. Pain can be treated with acetaminophen or in some instances with nonsteroidal anti-flammatory medications. If your knee effusion results from osteoarthritis, many times, as a last resort, you may have to opt for surgery to replace the knee joint.

Nonetheless, water on the knee can be treated successfully. It just takes a little patience and the ability to know when to relax.