How Can I Relieve the Water on My Knee?

Water on the knee is also known as a knee effusion. A knee effusion can occur as the result of overuse, trauma to your knee or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis, cysts, gout and tumors. Water on the knee can create pain, stiffness and swelling of tthe joint. Knee effusions can be relieved with home care, but visit a doctor if pain and swelling do not subside within a few days.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Anti-inflammatory medication

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Instructions

• 1

  Treat water on the knee at home. Take anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce the pain and swelling.

  Apply ice to the affected knee for 20 minutes at a time, three to four times per day and rest as much as possible. Elevate your knee when possible and avoid strenuous physical activity.

• 2

  Visit your physician. After three days of home care, visit with your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Since a knee effusion can be the result of an underlying condition, your doctor may take a fluid sample to determine the cause and treatment options.

• 3

  Take medication prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain control medication. You may also be prescribed antibiotics if your symptoms are caused by an infection. Your doctor may also recommend the use of corticosteroids, a strong anti-inflammatory medication that is injected directly into your knee.

• 4

  Allow your doctor to perform a joint aspiration. Joint aspiration will remove the build-up of fluid in the joint. This procedure is usually completed in the physician's office.

• 5

  Have surgery. As a last resort, your doctor may recommend arthroscopic surgery. A surgeon can examine the inside of your knee for signs of damage and make repairs to the joint. The doctor may also recommend a knee replacement if pain and swelling of the knee become unbearable.