The term "water on the knee" is a general phrase that describes what happens when fluid or water collects in or around your knee joint. This swelling may also be called edema. There are different reasons why people may have "water on the knee", for example, overuse, trauma, or other significant underlying conditions may be reasons why you have this fluid collection at your knee joint. Now what can you do about it? - Read On...

We are sure you may be wondering what this term means, although you have heard it before...The term "water on the knee" is a generic term that describes the accumulation of excess fluid (edema) in or around the knee joint. As a result of a trauma, overuse, or other underlying conditions or disease, water on the knee may exist.

Often times, when a person has water on the knee, the underlying condition is arthritis. The term arthritis means "joint inflammation". People also refer to arthritis as being "joint pain" as well. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), which effects over 27 million people a year (mostly women), while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects over two million adults. Most of them being women over the age of 45. Although these two types of arthritis effect millions of people, and are the two most common types of arthritis, there are over 100 different types of arthritis.

When an individual has water on the knee, pain relief can occur when the fluid is removed from the joint. Pain can return when the fluid returns to the knee joint. It is always important to see your physician regarding this procedure.

You also may have "water on the knee" due a traumatic injury. Fluid or blood can accumulate in the knee joint as a result of a meniscus tear or ligament injury. Moreover, when an individual suffers an ACL tear, they may have also torn small blood vessels which can cause fluid to accumulate in and around their knee joint. Prepatellar bursitis can also cause water on the knee.

To avoid having water on the knees, individuals should consider seeing their physician on a regular basis, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is also important to make sure individuals are avoiding activities that result in physical contact with their knees. Pain medications, such as Acetaminophen, can help to reduce swelling (see your physician before taking medications). Weight management can also take the stress off of your joints, which could result in water on the knees. Ice and elevation of your legs can also help to reduce the fluid build up.

The aforementioned options can help address the irritating pain and swelling in your knee, and should be considered; they can be of service to you. Moreover, the use of a low profile knee brace will help increase your knee stability and decrease pain. The meaningful support you need, can be provided by a knee brace during exercise or activities of daily living.