Your knee is an indispensable body part when walking. If it contains moisture, this can be problematic, because it makes it difficult to bend and straighten your legs. What exactly happens when fluid gets into your knee? And what can you do about it?
What does the fluid in your knee consist of?
The fact that there is fluid in your knee joint is not a problem in itself. For example, there are bursa, cartilage and blood vessels in the knee. But it becomes really problematic when a large amount of blood or other fluid is released. Actually, fluid accumulation in your knee is a better name for this problem. This fluid buildup causes your knee to swell and the joint may feel warm. This is painful and can cause other problems, such as difficulty walking or climbing stairs. If the fluid presses on the nerve, it can be extra annoying.
Read also: A worn out knee? These are symptoms and this can be done about it
What could be the cause of such an accumulation of fluid?
Such an accumulation of moisture can have roughly 2 different main causes. Firstly, it may have to do with a sudden injury, described by doctors as trauma. For example, think of a torn cruciate ligament or meniscus, a nightmare for athletes, where a lot of blood is released. 1 in 4 sports injuries are knee injuries, which often arise from one moment to the next. For example, while running, it can happen if you suddenly stop, fall, change direction, or stumble.
In addition, moisture can enter the knee as a result of overload and / or gradual wear over the years. Various conditions can also cause fluid retention. This applies, for example, to osteoarthritis, where the amount of cartilage in the knee decreases. Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can cause inflammation, resulting in fluid in the knee. The annoying thing about these conditions is that they often flare up at night, resulting in morning stiffness. Furthermore, cysts and tumors can be associated with a swollen knee.
What should you do if you have fluid in the knee?
If you take enough rest and spare your knee as much as possible, it can make a big difference. In other words: lie with your leg elevated as much as possible and regularly cool your knee, for example with an ice pack. In any case, this will reduce the swelling first. This is necessary, for example, if you are struggling with a sports injury and have to have an MRI scan made. The swelling must first go down before you can see anything on the scan.
In many cases, the fluid will disappear from your knee after a few days. But if you suffer from osteoarthritis, gout or another condition, it may be necessary to take additional measures. Decide in consultation with your doctor or general practitioner whether you should take painkillers or anti-inflammatories. Or that you need a corticosteroid injection or need to wear a brace.
Read also: This way you can prevent back pain, muscle pain and pain in the knees when gardening
How can you prevent fluid build up in your knee?
Of course, it can be a matter of bad luck if you have to deal with a physical ailment. But there are also ways to avoid getting a swollen knee. As with more conditions, a healthy lifestyle can help you with this. Are you able to exercise regularly, eat healthy and maintain your weight? Then you grow stronger muscles and put less pressure on your knee joint. In addition, you can do sports and exercises that are less stressful for your joints. Consider, for example, cycling, swimming or yoga, instead of running.
(Source: Archive, Time for MAX, SafetyNL, Margriet, Thuisarts, Moetiknaardedokter.nl, Kliniek ViaSana, Esketoesto.com. Photo: Shutterstock)
2023-09-04 04:03:58
#Fluid #knee #whats #fix
