Home Remedy to Remove Fluid Around the Knee

The knee is the largest joint in the body and is prone to injury. It endures tremendous stress, and a person does not have to be a sports enthusiast to injure their knee. Most often, when an injury occurs, there is pain and swelling. Occasionally, fluid can build up around the knee. Knowing how to get rid of this using simple home remedies can really help.

Use the I.C.E. Method

I.C.E. reminds you to use ice, compression and elevation to treat an injured joint. Begin by icing the knee 2. Use an ice pack for at least 20 minutes at a time. Be sure and use a towel between it and your skin, or you can get frostbite. Use a compression bandage to help hold the ice pack on and to keep the swelling to a minimum. Make sure your knee is elevated to hip level or above, to discourage fluid build up and improve circulation. Keeping the knee wrapped in a compression bandage, like an Ace wrap, is an excellent idea until the fluid is dispersed.

Take an NSAID

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also called NSAID's, are made to decrease inflammation and swelling in the body, and can be your first line of defense against knee pain and swelling. These drugs include ibuprofen, acetominophen, aspirin, and naproxen. Be sure and check with your doctor concerning dosage recommendations and possible side-effects. Taking these as prescribed will help the swelling in your knee to go away.

Rest

While this may seem like the most obvious and the simplest, it is still one of the most important treatments for an injured knee. The water on the knee is caused by inflammation, which, in turn, is caused by irritation or injury. The best way to get it to go away is to stop using the knee, or limit its use until some of the fluid disperses. So, in addition to the steps above, cut your knee some slack and take it easy for a few days. In most cases, the fluid will go down and you can resume normal activity within a week or so. If there is no improvement during that time, or if the condition worsens, it is time to see a medical professional.