- 7 steps to treat joint effusion
- Physiotherapy for joint effusion
- Exercises
- Symptoms of joint effusion
Joint effusion consists of the accumulation of fluid in a joint in the body, caused by strokes, falls, infections or chronic joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. It is popularly called 'water on the knee'.
Generally, joint effusion is more frequent in the knee, due to the excessive use of this joint to run or walk, for example, causing swelling of the knee. However, the stroke can appear in any joint of the body such as ankle, shoulder or hip.
Joint effusion is curable and, usually, treatment is done with physiotherapy to facilitate the absorption of fluid, reducing its symptoms. At home, the person can put a cold compress for 15 minutes to reduce the local swelling. See: When using hot or cold compress.
7 steps to treat joint effusion
The treatment of joint effusion should be guided by an orthopedist or physiotherapist and can be done with:
1. Protection and rest: As long as the pain persists, protect the sore joint. For example: when the knee is affected, crutches or knee pads should be used until you can walk without pain;
2. Applying ice: crushed ice packs are useful to deflate and relieve pain. Leave to act for 15 minutes, placing a thin cloth around the ice bag to avoid burning the skin;
3. Bandaging: Bandaging the sore joint with gauze using light pressure helps to control swelling;
4. Elevate the affected limb: If your knees are swollen you should lie on the bed or sofa and place a pillow under the knee so that the leg is tilted upwards;
5. Massage: The massage performed from the feet to the hip is efficient to relieve pain and swelling;
6. Anti-inflammatory remedies: The doctor can prescribe Ibuprofen or Diclofenac, they help to reduce the inflammation of the joint, decreasing the pain. These remedies can be taken in the form of pills or by injection (infiltration) in the affected joint. Sucupira tea can also help because it contains anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic and analgesic properties. See more at: Sucupira tea for osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
7. Liquid aspiration: Can be used in the most severe cases to remove excess fluid with a needle in the doctor's office or hospital.
Physiotherapy for joint effusion
Physiotherapy consists of practicing exercises that help strengthen the joint and improve blood circulation, draining excess fluid. These exercises must be suitable for the affected joint and, therefore, it is important to receive guidance from a physical therapist.
Initially, the exercises should be done slowly and progressively and it is also important to use the technique of joint mobilization, which consists of small joint movements that increase intra-articular lubrication and decrease clicks.
Exercises
Some exercises for knee joint effusion, which can be indicated by the physiotherapist, include:
- Stand and then slowly bend the affected knee, as shown in image 1, and repeat 8 to 10 times, for 3 sets; Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor and slowly stretch your leg with the affected knee 10 times, repeating for 3 sets, lie on a bed and place a rolled towel under the affected knee, then push the leg down without bending the knee and repeat 8 to 10 times, repeating for 3 sets.
It is recommended to take 30 second intervals between each series of exercises to avoid excessive wear of the joint and worsening of symptoms.
See also everything you can do at home to treat your knee.
Symptoms of joint effusion
Symptoms of joint effusion can include:
- Swelling of the affected joint; Pain in the affected joint; Difficulty moving the affected joint.
Symptoms can vary in intensity depending on the type of occupation of the individual. The diagnosis of joint effusion is made by the orthopedist through the observation of symptoms and exams such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging.
