Water on the Knee

Water on the Knee refers to any long-term increase in the size of the knee joint. This may, in fact, be from the soft tissue or from fluid inside the knee joint. Swelling can be indicative of a more serious underlying condition of the knee, such as cartilage, tendon or ligament injury, arthritis, or internal bleeding. Swelling has many causes and it is important to have a specific diagnosis to guide specific treatment. Swelling of any type at the knee deserves evaluation by a knee expert.

• Injury or trauma, including tendon, cartilage or ligament injuries, muscle tears from athletic or automobile accidents.
  
• Arthritis
  
• Gout or Pseudo-gout
  
• Loose bodies floating in the knee
  
• Infection
  
• Internal bleeding
  
• Fracture of one of the bones in the knee
  
• Tumor
  
• Any source of irritation in or about the knee