Suggest Treatment For Water Retention In The Knee

Posted on Thu, 2 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Answered on

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 56 year old female, overweight with osteoatritis in both knees. Two months ago I developed water in the left knee (as a result of overuse due to work) which was taken out through effusion and given a steroid.
The knee is still stiff and I yet have pain. Could it be be due to effusion (as I read it's not good to do it)? What can I do and are there any medicines for it?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, appears like another fluid collection

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

Yes, it is possible that the fluid has built up again.

Usually effusion or collection of fluid on the knee joint is due to the arthritis compounded by the extra stress by overweight issue.

If the effusion develops again, do get that fluid tested for various pathology like Rheumatoid, infections and cell content.

Avoid squatting, cross leg sitting, climbing stairs and kneeling.

Perform exercises in the form of static cycling which will reduce the stress on your knees and help you to lose weight.

Eat a healthy balanced diet. Avoid fatty, sweet food, junk food, colas, smoking and drinking alcohol.

You can get a knee joint injection with a mixture of local anaesthetic with Hyaluronic acid. This will help to regenerate the damaged joint for better function.

Do get Xray of the knee joints and upload for my review to ascertain if Conservative or surgical management will be better for you.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad