Definition and Etiology
A condition in which excess fluid collects in or around the knee joint is collectively referred to as knee edema. Doctors will refer to this condition as a knee effusion. Trauma, overuse injuries, or some underlying condition may cause knee edema. To determine the cause of knee edema, your doctor may need to collect a sample of fluid from the knee to check for infection, underlying disease or injury. Removing some of the fluid can also help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with knee edema. Once the underlying cause of the knee edema is identified, the correct treatment can be administered.
Symptoms
Typical signs and symptoms of knee edema include.
1. Swelling.
The soft tissues around the kneecap may be significantly swollen. The swelling will be especially noticeable when comparing the affected knee to a normal knee on the other side.
2. Stiffness.
When there is too much fluid in the knee joint, the leg cannot be fully straightened or bent.
3. Pain.
The pain caused by fluid collection in the knee joint varies, and sometimes the knee joint may be unable to bear weight due to severe pain.
When to seek medical attention
Seek immediate medical attention if.
1. neither self-care measures nor medications prescribed by a doctor reduce the pain and edema.
2. The affected knee becomes red and feels warm to the touch compared to the healthy side of the knee.
Causes
The causes of knee edema are varied and can range from trauma to disease.
Injury
Injury to any part of the knee joint can cause painful joint effusion. The following traumatic injuries can cause fluid to accumulate in and around the knee joint.
1. fractures.
2. meniscus tears.
3. ligament tears.
4. overuse injuries.
Diseases
A number of underlying diseases may cause fluid accumulation in or around the knee joint, including
1, osteoarthritis.
2. rheumatoid arthritis.
3. infection.
4. gout.
5. pseudarthritis.
5, bursitis.
6, cysts.
7, bleeding disorders.
8, tumors.
Risk factors
1, age
Knee edema occurs more often in people over 55 years of age.
2. Sports
When participating in sports that require rapid change of direction, it is more likely to cause knee edema injury, such as playing basketball.
3. Obesity
Being overweight puts extra pressure on the knee joint, accelerating wear and tear and leading to knee edema. Obesity can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, which is a common cause of knee edema.
Complications
If left untreated, knee edema can severely limit mobility. If the swelling is caused by an infection, the infection may destroy the joint completely.