• Question: i have had fluid on the knee, what causes it to happen?

    Asked by sportysmithy to Helen, Jenni, Mark, Martin, Stu on 20 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Jenni Tilley

      Jenni Tilley answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Fluid on the knee is the termed usually used to mean a swollen knee. In young people it generally happens because of some sort of trauma to the joint – I have dislocating knee caps so my knees are constantly ‘podgy’ aka swollen.

      In most cases it is the result of the body filling the joint capsule surrounding the knee (bag around the joint) after you’ve torn something or badly damaged the joint. It fills it with fluid to prevent further damage while the body tries to fix itself. This is why athritic joints swell – to try and protect the joint from further damage,

      In some cases the joint fills with blood, not fluid but this happens as a result of specific injuries and happens within minutes of the injury occuring.

      If you’re worried about a swollen joint, pop along to a doctor who can give you advice and a proper diagnosis

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