What can you do about fluid onthe knee?

If it a small amount of fluid you can rest the leg, sit raising it to waist level to aid the drainage of the fluid. Sometimes if you wear a knee support this will also help the fluid drain. If it is a larger amount of fluid it will make the knee joint tight and you will have difficulty bending your leg up. It may also be painful and you may fine it hard to position the leg so that it is comfortable. In this case you may need to have the fluid aspirated or drawn off using a needle and syringe. Obviously a job for the doctor and depending on your history, ie. has the swelling been caused by an injury or has it become swollen without warning, the doctor has the option of injecting the joint with steroid. The same needle will be used so it is only the one insertion and a local anaesthetic is given before hand. The fluid is removed, the syringe is changed with the needle still in position, and the steroid is injected. One thing to remember is that whatever caused the swelling will be masked for a time by the steriod and because the knee suddenly returns to normal and the pain goes, the knee is still vunerable and you are advised not to over excert the joint. Treat it carefully remembering that it is fragile for a while. Hope this helps.