Joint effusion

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Joint effusion
Synonyms	"Water on the knee"
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling, pain, stiffness
Complications	Joint damage, infection
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, arthritis, infection, gout, pseudogout
Risks	Obesity, joint injury, repetitive stress
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging studies (X-ray, MRI)
Differential diagnosis	Bursitis, tendonitis, ligament injury
Prevention	Weight management, protective gear
Treatment	Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), aspiration, medication (NSAIDs, corticosteroids)
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Joint effusion

Joint effusion

Sail sign

Joint Effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in or around a joint. It is commonly referred to as water on the knee or fluid on the knee due to its frequent occurrence in this joint. However, joint effusion can affect any joint in the body.

Causes

Joint effusion is typically caused by inflammation or injury to the joint. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis: This is a common cause of joint effusion. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to fluid accumulation in the joints.
• Injury: Trauma to the joint, such as a sprain or fracture, can cause fluid to accumulate.
• Infection: If a joint becomes infected, the body may produce extra fluid to help fight off the infection.
• Gout: This condition, which causes painful swelling in the joints, can also lead to joint effusion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of joint effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the joint affected. However, common symptoms include:

• Swelling: This is the most obvious sign of joint effusion. The joint may appear larger than normal and may feel warm to the touch.
• Pain: The affected joint may be painful, especially when moving.
• Stiffness: The joint may feel stiff and may be difficult to move.
• Reduced range of motion: The swelling and stiffness can limit the joint's range of motion.

Diagnosis

Joint effusion is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the effusion. In some cases, a sample of the joint fluid may be taken for analysis to help identify the cause of the effusion.

Treatment

The treatment for joint effusion depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy: Exercises can help improve joint mobility and strength.
• Joint aspiration: In some cases, the doctor may need to drain the excess fluid from the joint.
• Surgery: If the effusion is caused by an injury or disease that requires surgery, this may be necessary.

See also

• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Knee effusion
• Synovial fluid

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