Fluid on the knee

[Mabon12]

I have a very swollen right knee which is not painful, but it am only able to wear loose fitting trousers. It started about five weeks ago when my leg was swollen from knee to ankle. Now it's only my knee that's swollen. I'm seeing my rheumy next week and am hoping he will suggest draining the fluid. Has anyone had experience of this procedure?

[farm123]

Probably depends on which compartment of the knee is fluid filled and whether movement is restricted because if it affected the lower leg as well as knee originally then draining might not be the right answer. The procedure is not really painful but uncomfortable and when the knee is really tight it is instant relief but can feel weak if it has been swollen for a while - the thought is worse than the actual doing. If steroid injected I would be careful and rest, elevate and periodic ice for 48 hours to give the medicine chance to work in the right place. Farm

[Mabon12 in reply to farm123]

Thank you farm, your reply is helpful

[Hidden]

I've had it done but it didn't seem to help much. In any case my knees kept twitching which rather limited what could be done I think. If your knees are more well behaved perhaps you'll get a better result! Hope so.

[Mabon12 in reply to Hidden]

I hope so too, but thanks for your reply

[helixhelix]

I've had them drained and it was uncomfortable as a procedure, but the relief was fairly instant. Before hand my knee was like a water filled balloon, very squishy and you could feel the fluid sloshing about, and very hard to walk. Afterwards it was just a slightly sore knee, which I rested for 48 hours as instructed and hugely improved.

[Mabon12 in reply to helixhelix]

That's very encouraging! Thanks for your reply

[Hidden]

I have also had my knee drained and am waiting for it doing again in the next 2 to 4 weeks. Definitely worth having it done for the relief it brings. Just uncomfortable while being done but over in a few minutes. Good luck.

[Mabon12]

Thank you happygrannny. I'm sure it will be a relief!