Can your general practitioner drain water on the knee?

Yes, a general practitioner (GP) can perform a procedure to drain excess fluid from the knee, commonly known as knee aspiration or arthrocentesis. This involves inserting a needle into the joint space to remove the fluid, which can help relieve pain and swelling, as well as allow for analysis of the fluid to determine the underlying cause. However, the GP may refer you to an orthopedic specialist if the situation is more complex or requires further treatment.