Water on the knee

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing torn meniscus Torn meniscus
Illustration showing anterior cruciate ligament ACL injury

Water on the knee can be caused by many different types of problems, ranging from traumatic injuries to diseases and conditions.

Injuries
Damage to any part of your knee can cause the painful buildup of excess joint fluid. Examples of traumatic injuries that cause fluid buildup in and around the knee joint are:

  • Broken bones
  • Meniscus tear
  • Ligament tear
  • Overuse injuries

Diseases and conditions
Underlying diseases and conditions that may produce fluid buildup in and around the knee joint include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Infection
  • Gout
  • Pseudogout
  • Bursitis
  • Cysts
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Tumors
Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. LeBlond RF, et al. DeGowin's Diagnostic Examination. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3656578. Accessed March 31, 2012.
  2. Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed March 31, 2012.
  3. Mathison DJ, et al. Approach to knee effusions. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2009;25:773.
  4. Knee problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/knee_problems_ff.asp. Accessed March 31, 2012.
  5. Meininger AK, et al. Evaluation of the injured runner. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2012;31:203.
  6. Bettencourt RB, et al. Arthrocentesis and therapeutic joint injection: An overview for the primary care physician. Primary Care. 2010;37:691.
  7. Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. June 14, 2012.
DS00662 June 16, 2012

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