Knee effusion should eat and abstain from?

Knee effusion is one of the most common pain problems in the knee, especially with degenerative joint causes. While medication can help control painful symptoms, aspiration can reduce pressure in the joint, improve mobility, and diet can also make a difference. Therefore, patients need to know what to eat and what to avoid in order to have a comprehensive treatment plan.

Knee effusion, a term for the presence of water in the knee, occurs when excess fluid builds up in and around the knee joint. If the amount of fluid is too much, the joint will become edematous, causing a lot of pain and discomfort, and restricting movement.
If a patient is found to have knee effusion, it is important to determine the cause in order to have an appropriate treatment plan. If the knee effusion is acute, the knee is swollen, it may be the result of a local injury, due to overuse. Conversely, if the condition progresses over a long period of time, it is indicative of an underlying disease. Accordingly, the common causes of knee effusion are listed as follows:
Local trauma, such as sprains, ligament tears or fractures Osteoarthritis due to overuse Degeneration due to aging Rheumatoid Arthritis Gout Knee Infection Cysts

Whatever the cause, the first step in treatment is rest to relieve pain from reduced joint movement. If the pain is still not controlled, the patient may be able to receive cold compresses, local support compression bandages, or the use of over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Conversely, if the amount of fluid is too large, the patient needs aspiration or surgery to remove excess fluid as well as repair damaged structures if any.

Along with the above pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment measures, as well as invasive measures, the patient's diet during the treatment of knee effusion also needs attention to build a comprehensive treatment plan. Accordingly, the food groups that should be eaten when suffering from knee effusion include:

Fish oil can help protect the knee joint from swelling caused by arthritis damage.
Inflammation occurs when the body's immune system reacts to any disease, injury or irritation in the body with common symptoms of redness, swelling and pain. Inflammation is both a cause and a symptom of arthritis. Accordingly, when eating foods containing anti-inflammatory substances can help people with arthritis, such as some fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids reduce levels of two proteins called C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 that are responsible for inflammation. At the same time, omega-3 plays a role in helping the body respond to inflammation by interfering with specialized cells in these biochemical chains. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help stop inflammation before it actually damages joints.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, people who regularly eat fish high in omega-3s have a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis as well as degenerative arthritis, which causes joint effusion. What's more, fish oil supplements may help protect joints from cartilage breakdown or reduce the severity of the aging process of cartilage.
Fish rich in omega-3s include: salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Although fish oil is available in supplement form, eating fish is still more beneficial.

Fruits and vegetables not only play an important role in a healthy diet, but they also contain nutrients that can help people with knee arthritis, knee effusion. High-value phytonutrients are:
Fiber: Some observations suggest that people with arthritis may have high cholesterol levels. Therefore, consuming whole grains and forms of fiber not only improves blood cholesterol levels, feels fuller longer to help maintain a healthy weight, so it indirectly reduces joint damage. Antioxidants: Antioxidants support the immune system and fight inflammation. There are many types of antioxidants in fruit berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black currants and magenta. Unsaturated fats: Avocados are high in unsaturated fats that have anti-inflammatory effects. It's also a good source of vitamin E, which has been linked to a reduced risk of joint damage in the early stages of arthritis. Oleocanthal: Olives and extra virgin olive oil contain oleocanthal. This compound is a natural anti-inflammatory with properties similar to the drug ibuprofen. Turmeric: Turmeric has long been used in traditional and herbal medicine, with a proven role in arthritis.

Vitamins A, C and K: Spinach, broccoli and other green vegetables provide fiber as well as important minerals and vitamins. In the process of energy production, the body creates oxidation products called free radicals, which can damage cells in the body as well as attack tissue in the joints. At this time, green leafy vegetables contain vitamins A, C and K, which are antioxidants that help protect cells from the damage of free radicals as well as contain high levels of calcium, which contributes to the health of the body. the bone. Sulforaphane and glucosinate: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage also contain natural compounds called sulforaphane and glucosinolates, which help suppress inflammation and slow cartilage damage in arthritis. Vitamin C: Peppers, oranges and green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin C. This helps protect bones and may play a role in protecting cartilage cells.

Dairy products, especially the low-fat dairy group, may offer some benefits for people with knee arthritis and knee effusion.
Sterols and stanols: Dairy products can contain sterols and stanols, which are helpful for people with knee arthritis. Furthermore, these substances can help lower blood cholesterol levels. Calcium and vitamin D: Low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt provide vitamin D and calcium, which can help build strong bones. At the same time, scientists have found evidence of low vitamin D levels in people with arthritis. As such, consuming plenty of vitamin D through dairy foods and regular, safe sunlight can reduce pain and improve mobility for people with arthritis.

People with knee arthritis, knee effusion should try to avoid certain foods, as they can aggravate the condition. Examples are as follows:
Sugar: In addition to contributing to weight gain, sugar can also trigger the release of cells involved in the inflammatory response. In addition, other foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as white bread, have a similar effect. Salt: Consuming too much salt can worsen inflammation in the joints, worsening knee effusion. In processed foods such as dry and canned foods often contain high salt content, because for the purpose of long-term preservation, it is easy to cause water accumulation in the body. Trans fats and saturated fats: These are common in processed foods and baked goods; factor that promotes inflammation. MSG: As a spice commonly found in oriental dishes, MSG also has anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-6 Fatty Acids: While omega-3s can help people with arthritis, omega-6 fatty acids found in many cooking oils can become a component of inflammatory agents. Examples of oils that contain omega-6 include corn and sunflower oils.

Alcohol: Arthritis Foundation recommends that patients should limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. This is because alcohol can cause adverse reactions when taking certain medications, including pain relievers. Food sensitivities: Some people are sensitive to certain food groups. At this point, eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities in the diet is one way to improve symptoms at the joints. Although there isn't much strong evidence that specific foods can be beneficial or harmful for people with knee effusion, the above tips for a balanced diet and taking a Some physical activity, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, is important to reduce pressure on the knee and reduce the risk of injury and fluid in the joint. In addition, certain substances in foods can also help reduce inflammation and pain, making treatment for people with symptoms better.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in examining and treating musculoskeletal diseases. Patients who need examination and advice on nutrition for patients with knee effusion can visit Vinmec.

References: mountnittany.org, .medicalnewstoday.com