Joint effusionis swelling of the tissues in or around your joint because of extra fluid.
Joint effusion can cause a “puffy” appearance to your joints along with symptoms like pain and stiffness.
Common causes of joint effusion are infections, arthritis, or injury (includingrepetitive use injuries).
Verywell / Emily Roberts
However, this is not the same asedema, which is the generalized build-up of fluid in tissues.
This article explains what joint effusion is, its causes and symptoms, and how it can be treated.
They can range in severity from mild to debilitating.
You needemergency care for a swollen joint if:
What Causes Joint Effusion?
Joint effusion because of infection is referred to asseptic arthritis.
Aseptic joint effusion can be related to an injury or arthritis.
Infection
Septic arthritis is most commonly brought on by a joint infection.
The condition will usually be extremely painful, particularly with movement.
Redness, warmth, and fever are also common.
Repeated stress on a joint can also cause effusion.
Arthritis
Joint effusion is common in people with arthritis.
With osteoarthritis, joint effusion most commonly triggers when there is extensive joint damage.
The knee is the joint that is most often affected.
Physical Examination
Your provider will look at your joint carefully.
Each test has its benefits and limitations.
The fluid (synovial fluid) is removed with a needle and syringe during a procedure known asarthrocentesis.
Synovial fluid is usually clear with the consistency of an egg white.
How Is Joint Effusion Treated?
If the swelling is severe, your provider may want to aspirate the joint to reduce pressure.
They may give you acortisone injectionafter the procedure to reduce inflammation and pain.
Infections can usually be treated with a 14-day course of a broad-spectrum oralantibioticlike ciprofloxacin.
Examples of these medications areimmunosuppressive drugslike methotrexate orHumira (adalimumab).
Joint surgery (arthroplasty) is only used for serious joint injuries or to repair joints immobilized by arthritis.
Severe cases may need a total joint replacement.
Acompression bandagecan also help limit or reduce swelling.
However, avoid wrapping the joint too tightly as doing so can cut off blood circulation.
If you have a swollen joint without signs of an emergency, call your healthcare provider.
Summary
Joint effusion is extra fluid around a joint.
It tends to affect larger joints, such as the knee or ankle.
A joint effusion can occur as a result of injury, infection, or arthritis.
Making some changes to your hobbies and lifestyle can also help you manage joint effusion.
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