Also called “synovial effusion” hydarthrosis is not a disease but its manifestation is quite annoying and can sometimes be painful. This is an outward sign that indicates that the joint was subjected to an inward attack. To determine the causes of this aggression, the doctor usually resorts to clinical examinations, including imaging such as radiography, arthrography, MRI, blood tests or scans. Sometimes, a puncture of serous fluid is carried out in order to analyse it and determine the cause of hydarthrosis.
Trauma to the joint is the most common cause of this pathology. This trauma may be a severe impact (fracture, sprain), osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Hydarthrosis of the knee results in joint swelling in the popliteal fossa area, near the patella. Indeed, this swelling often indicates the presence of an accumulation of serous fluid. Effusions differ depending on the causes of hydarthrosis, which can only be determined after carrying out a series of tests on the liquid collected after a puncture. The effusion may be hemarthrosis (bleeding into the joints) due to injury of the menisci, cartilage or the joint capsule. If it is caused by trauma, the synovial fluid will said to be mechanical. Following an attack of arthrosis or gout, the effusion often contains calcium and/or uric acid crystals.
In case you suffer from post-traumatic hydarthrosis, take Bryonia 5 CH three times a day until the swelling subsides and complete the treatment with Rhus Tox 4 CH. This treatment is prescribed in case of shock or torsion.
When the joint is swollen, red and hot, it is recommended to take 5 granules of Apis mellifica 9 CH and 5 granules of Bryonia alba 9 CH three times a day during ten days. This treatment is recommended for dealing with inflammatory hydarthrosis.
When the patient is feverish, and has a temperature of 39-40 ° C, he or she must see a doctor without delay. Moreover, if the fever is accompanied by chills, usually the sign of a significant joint inflammation, it is necessary to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the swelling of the joint is substantial and if heat is felt upon contact with the affected area, a medical consultation is required as well.
• Apis Mellifica
• Arnica Montana
• Bryonia Alba
Good to know: Treatment with homoeopathy helps to cure the patient’s knee inflammation or hydarthrosis, which manifests itself by a synovial effusion.
