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Water in the knee is not just a health problem that troubles older people and seniors. “Water in the knee” is a popular name for a joint effusion, which is an excessive accumulation of joint fluid in the knee joint and can affect athletes, young people, men and women. The main symptom is swelling in the knee area, pain and reduced knee flexibility. The solution is a visit to a specialist and the so‑called puncture. Is it possible to relieve it naturally in a home environment?
Unpleasant pain and reduced mobility
People tend to think that only sick seniors can suffer from fluid in the knee. That is not the case; the accumulation of viscous joint lubricant can affect young and active athletes as well. It can be the result of heavy strain on a knee ligament, due to meniscus damage, or caused by inflammation or arthritis. Sometimes the cause of fluid in the knee is gout, in worse cases cysts, including cancerous ones. Besides pain, which can intensify, there is a worsening of mobility and stiffness, swelling or even bruising around the knee.
Puncture and subsequent treatment
How to tell that it is fluid in the knee? In the case of swelling and persistent pain even when using painkillers, it is likely that it is a knee effusion. During a doctor’s visit the physician will perform a puncture, insert a needle into the swelling and aspirate the excess fluid, which is then sent for analysis. It is important to determine whether crystals indicating gout are present in the fluid, or possibly blood. In case of infection, antibiotics are appropriate. However, there is a possibility to initially help yourself at home with natural treatment, which also helps with knee injuries.
Home relief using egg yolks
At the first signs of stiffness and pain in the knee it is good to begin a natural home treatment by applying a mixture of salt and yolk. To prepare the mixture you will need:
- 1 teaspoon of salt,
- a fresh egg yolk.
Mix a teaspoon of salt with one yolk in a small bowl, beat well, apply to the knee and wrap with nylon or cellophane foil. Secure the knee further with an elastic bandage. Replace the mixture with a fresh one every two hours and repeat at least 5 times a day.
