For movement requires the full functioning of the knee joint. If the knee is damaged, the disease can begin in one or several joints at once. In this case, severe pain begins to be felt during movement. In the knee, the leg is partially bent, which causes significant discomfort.
Pathology develops as a result of the accumulation of synovial fluid. If the first signs of the disease occur, it is necessary to conduct a diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What liquid can be
Fluid in the joint is considered a kind of bone lubricant. It helps to reduce mechanical friction, so that the joint lasts much longer. If a person is completely healthy, then the amount of such a substance will be no more than 2-3 ml.
The causes of fluid accumulation in the knee joint are mainly associated with injuries or prolonged inflammation. Moreover, the inflammatory process does not have to affect the knee joint itself. It can be bursitis or synovitis of absolutely any joint. In addition, the cause of fluid in the knee joint may be associated with a reaction to the penetration of the allergen into the body. Each of these causes affects the composition of the fluid. That is why, it can be:
- serous - has a transparent color;
- fibrous - in the composition of the liquid, foreign particles are observed;
- purulent - there are purulent discharge;
- hemorrhagic - there are bloody particles in the fluid.
It is worth remembering that the knee is one of the largest joints in the body. Every day it is quite a serious load. Therefore, the accumulation of fluid occurs precisely in this area.
This gradually provokes a restriction of mobility. A similar problem adversely affects the quality of life of the patient, and if inflammation additionally joins, then urgent help from a doctor is required.
Causes of the disease
The causes of fluid in the knee joint are very diverse, but most often this pathology is caused by infectious diseases and injuries of the knee. The most common factor is trauma, which occurs when a sharp impact on this area. The main causes of fluid in the knee joint include:
- hemorrhage;
- meniscus damage;
- bruised knee;
- tearing or sprain;
- patella fracture.
Often a similar problem begins to develop in the event of injury to the cruciate ligaments. Basically, such injuries are preceded by fractures of bone plates in the area of attachment of the ligaments, as a result, the limbs lose their main function.
When the cruciate ligaments rupture, a rather severe soreness appears, and there may also be a hemorrhage in the joint. Also, if fluid is collected in the knee joint, the reasons for this may be associated with chronic diseases, in particular, such as:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- arthritis.
Purulent inflammation can be another provoking factor, as a result of which bursitis is formed. Pus accumulates as a result of the life of pathogens that penetrate through open wounds or along with the bloodstream.
Very rarely, the cause of fluid formation in the knee joint is the occurrence of an allergic reaction in response to various allergens.
Main symptoms
With injuries or inflammation, the fluid does not immediately begin to accumulate in the joint. A certain time must pass before the first signs of pathology appear. And some do not want to see a doctor and, in this case, the treatment is carried out surgically, and not with medication. In addition, there is a high risk of complications. The causes and symptoms of fluid in the knee joint may be different, however, you must definitely know what the first signs of this violation may be. These include:
- swelling and swelling in the knee;
- soreness;
- local temperature increase.
The skin in the affected area acquires a reddish and sometimes crimson hue. This is due to overflow of blood vessels. There may be hemorrhage in the joint cavity or under the skin. This can manifest as a bruise or joint pain. The patient also has problems with knee mobility.
If the causes of fluid in the knee joint are hidden in the course of arthritis, then soreness occurs with the active movement of the limb or pressure on the affected area. The chronic form is characterized by moderate intensity of pain, which proceeds undulating. With purulent synovitis, the soreness is pulsating, and there is also a feeling of bursting of the knee.
The occurrence of puffiness largely depends on the degree of the course of the disease. At the initial stages, only a slight swelling is noticeable, however, as the problem progresses, the tumor will increase more and more. This condition can lead to knee deformation. The more fluid accumulates, the more the capsule will protrude beyond the patella. And this leads to a limitation of mobility.
Causes of fluid in the knee joint are also associated with injuries. In this case, swelling initially occurs, which is accompanied by rather severe pain. The skin turns red and a subcutaneous hematoma forms. After the injury, the liquid begins to accumulate very quickly and this happens for about 2-3 days. A great danger is a fracture with rupture of blood vessels.
In this case, hemorrhage occurs in the joint cavity, which leads to hemarthrosis. At the same time, in addition to acute pain, a person is not even able to move his leg normally. If you do not pay attention to the signs in a timely manner, this can lead to very dangerous consequences.
Who is at risk
The cause of fluid accumulation in the knee joint may be due to various infections or injuries. At risk are mainly:
- aged people;
- obese;
- involved in sports.
Overweight people are mostly affected by excess fluid. This is due to increased load on the joint. Excess weight puts pressure on the extremities, as a result of which cartilages are damaged, the blue becomes inflamed and fluid accumulates.
Injuries to the knee joint are caused by athletes due to heavy loads on the limbs. Also, the problem is often observed in older people. This is due to the fact that over time, the development of pathologies and depletion of blood vessels begins. Due to age-related changes in the body, tissues lose their elasticity, which leads to the development of orthopedic diseases of the joints.
Diagnostics
To determine the cause of the appearance of fluid in the knee joint, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. To make a diagnosis, methods such as:
- visual inspection;
- blood analysis;
- X-ray
- ultrasonography.
Based on the data obtained, it is quite easy to make a diagnosis and establish the exact cause of fluid accumulation in the knee joint, as well as select a treatment that will help eliminate the existing problem. It is worth noting that modern diagnostic methods are highly accurate, reliable and safe.
Treatment features
With fluid accumulation in the knee joint, the causes and treatment can be different, it all depends on the particular course of the pathology. Therapy is carried out by the use of medications or by surgery. As a separate method, arthrocentesis or puncture is isolated. A combination of these techniques will be effective.
The operation is carried out very rarely and only in the most advanced cases. That is why, the sooner synovitis is detected, the more likely it is to completely maintain the motor activity of the legs.
During conservative therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed that help eliminate joint pain and swelling. Medicines are used orally or as ointments. With purulent inflammation, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to eliminate the infection.
Pumping fluid
With fluid accumulation in the knee joint, the causes, symptoms and consequences can be determined by the attending doctor who selects the treatment. Often, effusion is required, which is carried out using various techniques, each of which has certain features.
Arthrocentesis is characterized by the fact that the surgeon removes excess fluid with a syringe. Immediately after the procedure is completed, a corticosteroid hormone is introduced into the cavity, which helps to suppress inflammation. In addition, the arthroscopy method is sometimes used. In this case, to gain access to the affected joint cavity, the surgeon performs several cuts on the skin through which the camera and small surgical instruments are inserted. It is much easier to get rid of the accumulated fluid in this way, and the recovery process is faster.
There are cases when the fluid accumulates after the operation and in this case, a second procedure is required with the introduction of hormonal drugs and antibiotics into the joint cavity. During the procedure, the patient experiences unpleasant pulling sensations.
Drug therapy
In the case of fluid accumulation in the knee joint, the causes, symptoms and treatment may be different, however, in general, the course of therapy begins with the use of medications. If pain occurs, you should immediately visit a surgeon or rheumatologist. Initially, the specialist performs anesthesia of the affected area, pumps out the accumulated fluid, and then prescribes the main treatment.
Drug therapy is used to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, as well as inflammation. Medicines are prescribed exclusively by the doctor, based on the results of the examination. Patients are often prescribed:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- antihistamines;
- corticosteroids.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for pathologies of absolutely any origin. They help eliminate swelling and severity of pain. The most effective are Diclofenac or Ibuprofen. In addition, it is recommended to use an ointment that contains anti-inflammatory components.
Antibiotics are used if the synovial fluid contains pus. They are prescribed in the form of injections or in tablet form. The medicine can be injected directly into the joint cavity after pumping out the fluid.
Corticosteroids will help eliminate inflammation and limit the effects of the underlying pathology. Often prescribed "Prednisolone", "Dexamethasone", "Triamcinolone." Antihistamines are prescribed only if synovial fluid has accumulated in the knee joint due to an autoimmune disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Folk techniques
With the accumulation of fluid in the knee joint, the causes and treatment are determined only by the attending doctor after the examination. As additional methods, folk remedies are used that do not eliminate excess exudate, however, they have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
Take 2 tbsp. l bay leaf, pour 1 tbsp. sunflower oil. Allow to stand for 1 week. Then rub the resulting healing product into the affected joint daily 3 times.
Take 0.5 tbsp. rye grains, pour 1 liter of water and let it boil for 20 minutes. The finished product should stand for 2 weeks. Take it inside before meals for 3 tbsp. l 3 times daily.
A compress from an ointment prepared on the basis of comfrey well eliminates soreness. Take 1 tbsp. chopped plant material and mix it with 1 tbsp. natural lard. Put in a cool place for 5 days. Then apply the finished product under cellophane in the morning and evening.
You can also apply onions, baked in the peel, which must be previously cut. Leave it all night. This tool is effective in the accumulation of purulent fluid, however, it must be used as a means of adjuvant therapy.
Other means
Physiotherapy is prescribed in combination with other means. Such techniques are effective in acute and chronic course of the disease, regardless of the provoking cause. Basically, physiotherapy is prescribed on the 3rd day of drug therapy.
A pretty good result is having magnetotherapy. In this case, the magnetic field acts on the person by the formation of electric currents, which accelerate the restoration of the affected area. In addition, they help eliminate puffiness.
Electrophoresis is also widely used. Under the influence of a constant electric current, the drug rapidly penetrates into the affected areas. With synovitis, electrophoresis with heparin-based drugs is used. This substance penetrates into the joint and stops the cicatricial degeneration of the tissue.
High-frequency therapy involves the effect of an electric field on the joints of a person, helping to restore damaged tissues and reduce swelling. A similar technique has good anti-inflammatory qualities.
Phonophoresis is based on the introduction of drugs into the tissue using ultrasound. A similar technique is used for chronic synovitis, if other methods do not bring the desired result. With the penetration of the drug into the joint, inflammation and swelling are eliminated.
If the acute period has passed, as well as with a chronic course of pathology, the patient may be prescribed a course of physiotherapy exercises. Specially selected exercises with a load on the lower limb contribute to the normalization of well-being and restoration of joint flexibility.
It helps with synovitis massage, as it helps prevent the development of local ischemia, and also reduces pressure inside the joint. All manipulations must be performed very carefully, without strong pressure on the affected area.
Surgery
In some cases, if the meniscus is damaged, surgery is required. In particular, an intervention is prescribed for:
- meniscus rupture;
- articular hemorrhage;
- separation of the entire body of the meniscus.
With all these injuries, the essence of the operation is to excise the meniscus. Sometimes transplantation of a damaged area of the knee joint is prescribed. It is worth noting that during the intervention:
- cuts are made small;
- gypsum does not overlap;
- fast recovery occurs;
- the operation can be performed on an outpatient basis.
At a young age, even with rather dangerous injuries, it is possible to preserve the damaged area. The most important thing is to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations after the operation. For the speedy recovery, doctors recommend training on simulators, as well as a visit to the pool.
Effects
If there is an excessive amount of fluid in the knee joint, the causes and consequences can be quite serious, so it is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner to eliminate exudate. If it continues to accumulate, then this will lead to severe pain and swelling.
The knee will gradually deform, which will lead to the need for surgery. The causes and consequences of fluid in the knee joint can be quite dangerous, since without well-conducted treatment, the limb may lose mobility, which will lead to disability of the patient.
With the course of purulent inflammation, the infection can spread throughout the body, which sometimes leads to the death of the patient.
Prophylaxis
Fluid accumulation in the knee joint is among the dangerous diseases. To avoid relapse, you must strictly comply with all recommendations for preventive measures. These include:
- adhere to the rules of nutrition;
- to be examined by a doctor;
- do not subject the knee joint to excessive loads;
- take vitamins;
- engage in therapeutic exercises;
- avoid injuries;
- wear knee pads during sports.
If you suspect a relapse, you should definitely contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. These simple recommendations will help to avoid long-term treatment.
Reviews
According to patient reviews, with accumulation of fluid in the knee joint, compresses prepared from novocaine or Dimexidum are very helpful. In the complex you need to take antibacterial agents and vitamins. In addition, for the period of treatment it is very important to ensure complete rest of the limb.
Some patients say that only puncture helps to get rid of excessive fluid, followed by pumping out the pathological contents. This technique is completely painless and does not provoke the occurrence of side effects.