I believe i have "water in the knee" i am a floor installer and constantly on my knees with good kneepads. I h

Question:

I have poked a hole and drained the clear fluid before and cleaned it with alcohol. It healed and was fine until two weeks later when it returned in the lower part of my knee pretty painfull. this was yesterday. ive cut it with a clean razor and drained it but its swollen and dosent want to peak to the topthe nerves around it are sore and tingly. i know i should run to the doctor asap but currently seriously cannot afford another bill right now. I am struggling enough believe me. if it worsens horribly only then will igo see a professional. my queston is which antibiotic should i take to control the infection and swelling. any advice would help. thank you dr. cheapskate

Answers:
Sound to me like you have 'infrapatellar bursitis' which is common in individuals who do a lot of flooring and kneeling down. To help manage the inflammation you want to do R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, compress, and elevate, this will help decrease some of the swelling and calm the irritated bursa down. You can take some NSAID's such at ibuprofen as well to help with the swelling and pain.

As far as prevention, try and take more breaks and get off your knees, i know that might be hard considering your profession, but i would try with that to try and mange the inflammation so you don't have to drain it manually (which isn't the best idea)!!

As far as antibiotic, neosporin and some sterile gauze and then a wrap to secure it all down and if it is still open maybe some butterfly strips to help pull the wound ends together. If it keeps getting worse, you might have to go see a doc

Check around and see if you have a free clinic where you live if you do they will take care of you no charge.

i would get an mri of the knee. You might have infection in the bone or tumor.

My step father had that and it ended his career as a carpet installer.He used a knee kicker and it wore his knee out.
You may have to go into another line of work because there is only so much the knee will stand.
You are setting yourself up for arthritis in the future.

I believe i have "water in the knee" i am a floor installer and constantly on my knees with good kneepads. I h

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