Knee Effusion: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Knee effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the knee joint which is caused by a range of conditions, including arthritis, gout, trauma and infection.

There are several different types of knee effusion, including:

• Serous effusion: This is a type of knee effusion that is caused by an accumulation of clear, watery fluid. It is generally caused by an injury or overuse.
• Hemorrhagic effusion: This type of knee effusion is caused by bleeding in the joint due to a traumatic injury or infection.
• Synovial effusion: This type of knee effusion is caused by an excess production of synovial fluid in the joint. It is most typically found in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
• Chondral/cartilage effusion: This type of knee effusion occurs when there is a breakdown or thinning of the cartilage in the joint, leading to an accumulation of fluid in the area. It can be caused by trauma, infection, or degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.

• Injury or trauma to the knee joint, such as a direct blow or twist of the knee, can cause effusion.
• Overuse of the knee joint, such as during repetitive activities like running or jumping, can cause swelling due to inflammation.
• A prominent cause of knee effusion is osteoarthritis, which develops as a result of the joint's deterioration over time.
• Infections in or around the knee joint may also cause fluid accumulation and swelling.
• Gout, a form of arthritis caused by crystal deposits in the joint, can also lead to effusion in the knee.

• Swelling of the knee joint.
• Pain and tenderness in the knee joint.
• Limited range of motion in the knee joint.
• Warmth, redness and increased skin temperature around the knee joint.
• Stiffness of the knee joint.
• Instability of the knee joint.
• Crackling or grinding noises when moving the knee joint.
• Weakness in leg muscles.

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Perform exercises that strengthen the muscles of the thighs, hips and core.
• Take regular breaks from activities that cause stress on the knee joint like running, jogging or jumping.
• Avoid high-impact activities like basketball, football or soccer.
• Wear protective knee braces to reduce the risk of injury and strain on the knee joint during sports activities.
• Wear shoes with proper cushioning and support to reduce the impact on your knees during exercise or everyday tasks such as walking or climbing stairs.
• Apply cold compresses to your knees after exercising to reduce inflammation and swelling in the area.

• Physical Exam: A physical exam is one of the most common diagnostic tests for knee effusion. During the physical exam, your doctor will examine the area around your knee for swelling, warmth, tenderness, and other signs of inflammation.
• X-Ray: An X-ray can provide a detailed picture of the bones around the knee and can help identify any fractures or dislocations that may be causing the effusion.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is a more detailed imaging test than an X-ray, and it can help identify any abnormalities in soft tissues (such as ligaments or tendons) that may be contributing to the effusion.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a method for looking at pictures of the inside of your body by using sound waves. It can be used to diagnose knee effusions by showing fluid accumulation in and around the joint capsule.
• Arthrocentesis: During this procedure, a needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the affected joint. The fluid will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine what type of infection or condition is causing it.

• Joint Instability
• Pain
• Reduced Range of Motion
• Swelling and Inflammation
• Infection
• Gout or Pseudogout
• Malalignment of the Knee Joint.
• Osteoarthritis
• Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).

• Warm Oil Massage: Warm oil massages help reduce swelling around the knee joint because they improve blood flow and relax the muscles. You can do this with coconut oil or sesame oil.
• Ayurvedic Herbs: Using ayurvedic herbs such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation which may help alleviate symptoms associated with knee effusion.
• Turmeric Milk: Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, so drinking a cup of turmeric milk every day can help reduce inflammation. To make turmeric milk simply boil one teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of milk and add a generous pinch of black pepper to increase absorption of curcumin present in the powdered form of turmeric into your system.
• Hot Water Compressions: The method works by applying heat and pressure to the affected region. Pour hot water into a tub or a bucket and soak the knee for 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking the knee in hot water for a few minutes, put a warm compress on it for another 10 to 15 minutes. Do this several times a day.

• Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines and walnuts may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with knee effusion.
• Foods containing vitamin D and calcium, such as yogurt, cheese, milk and green leafy vegetables can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
• Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger and turmeric may also help reduce inflammation associated with knee effusion.
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep the body hydrated which can help reduce joint pain associated with knee effusion.

• Avoid high-sodium foods, such as canned soups, processed meats, and pickled vegetables.
• Limit red meat and processed meats, as these can cause inflammation.
• Avoid simple carbohydrates and sugary foods, as these may worsen inflammation.
• Do not eat fried or fatty foods, which can contribute to joint pain and swelling.
• Limit alcohol consumption, as it may impair healing time and increase inflammation in the joint tissue.

• Ice/Heat Therapy: This therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with knee effusion. Cold therapy is recommended for acute pain, while heat can be used to help relax the muscles and reduce stiffness.
• Compression: Applying a bandage or wearing an elastic sleeve can help compress the knee joint, reducing swelling and providing support to the joint.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Exercises like leg lifts, heel slides and straight leg raises can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and increase flexibility in the joint.
• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide specific exercises and stretches tailored to your needs that will help improve your range of motion, strength, and overall functionality of your knee joint.
• Arthroscopy: A tiny camera is inserted into the knee joint during this minimally invasive procedure to let the surgeon see and identify any problems. The surgeon can then perform surgical repairs or remove fluid from the knee joint (known as an arthrocentesis).
• Knee replacement: This is a major surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the knee are replaced with metal and plastic components to fully restore function of the joint.
• Joint aspiration: This is a relatively simple procedure in which a needle is used to withdraw excess fluid from the knee joint. This can be done without anesthesia and provides relief from pain associated with knee effusion.
• Lateral release surgery: In this procedure, small incisions are made on either side of the knee joint and tissue is removed or cut away so that it does not pull on other structures around the knee, such as ligaments, tendons, or muscles. This procedure can help reduce pain due to excessive movement of the kneecap and provide stability to the joint.
• Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and reshaping bones around the knee in order to realign them properly and reduce pain associated with misalignment or arthritis of the joint.

A doctor specialized in orthopedics would be the best to consult for knee effusion.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs lessen pain and inflammation. Commonly prescribed NSAIDs for knee effusion include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone that can reduce inflammation and swelling in the knee joint. To alleviate pain temporarily, they are often injected straight into the affected joint.
• Hyaluronic acid injections: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring lubricant in the knee joint. When injected into the knee, it can help to cushion the joint space and reduce stiffness and pain.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections include taking a tiny sample from your blood and centrifuging it to separate out platelets that have growth factors that may help mend injured tissue in your knee joint.

Recovery periods differ based on the underlying reason.

It might take from weeks to months to completely heal from a knee effusion.

However, more severe cases may take longer or require more intensive treatments.

The results of treatment for knee effusion are not usually permanent.

• Avoid strenuous activities and high-impact sports.
• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Apply ice packs to the knee for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for the first few days after the procedure.
• Elevate your knee above your heart whenever possible for the first few days after treatment to reduce swelling and pain.
• Wear a knee brace or support device if recommended by your doctor or physical therapist to help support and protect the knee joint from further injury or damage.
• Engage in a physical therapy program as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist, including exercises that focus on strengthening muscles around the knee joint, improving range of motion and flexibility, and promoting normal joint function and movement patterns.
• Follow up with your doctor or physical therapist regularly to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed over time.

Generally, treatments such as arthroscopic lavage and debridement may cost anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 rupees.

Other more complex treatments such as meniscus repair or ACL reconstruction may cost between 25,000 and 50,000 rupees.

• Pain and swelling in the affected knee.
• Redness, warmth, and soreness in the afflicted region.
• Trouble walking, bending, or straightening the leg.
• Stiffness and reduced knee mobility.
• Development of cysts in the knee joint due to fluid accumulation.
• Infection of the joint due to bacteria entering through an incision.
• Blood clots that can form in the veins if a procedure involving a needle is used.
• Allergic reactions to medications used during treatment.

If you have Knee Effusion symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. These symptoms can lead to problems like 'muscle loss, baker cyst, reduced range of motion, osteoarthritis, etc.', which can take anywhere from a few months to years to treat, based on how severe the condition is.