Also called "synovial effusion", hydarthrosis is not a disease but its manifestation is rather annoying and sometimes painful. This is the external sign that indicates that the joint has been attacked internally. In order to determine the causes of this aggression, the doctor generally uses clinical examinations, including imaging such as X-rays, arthrography, MRIs, blood tests or CT scans. Sometimes, a puncture of the serous fluid is done to perform an analysis and determine the cause of the hydarthrosis.
Causes and symptoms of hydarthrosis
Trauma to the joint is the most well-known cause of the pathology. This trauma can be a violent shock (fracture, sprain), or osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Hydarthrosis of the knee results in swelling of the joint in the popliteal fossa, at the level of the patella. Indeed, this swelling is often indicative of the presence of an effusion of serous fluid. The effusions differ according to the causes of the hydarthrosis and only an analysis made on the fluid after a puncture can determine them. The effusion can be a haemarthrosis bleeding due to damage to the menisci, cartilage or joint capsule. If it is the result of trauma, the liquid will be of the so-called mechanical formula. Following an attack of osteoarthritis or gout, the effusion most often presents crystals of uric acid and/or calcium.
Recommended treatments
In the event of 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 following a 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 3 times a day for about ten days. This treatment is recommended for inflammatory hydarthrosis.
When to see a doctor?
When the patient has a fever, with a temperature of 39 to 40°C, he or she must consult a doctor urgently. In addition, if the fever is accompanied by chills, which is synonymous with significant inflammation of the joint, the patient should be taken to a doctor immediately. If the swelling of the joint is significant and a warmth is felt when touched, a medical consultation is necessary.
