Joint Swelling
What is Joint Swelling?
Joints are the structures that connect two or more bones in your body. They’re found in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, arms, elbow, hand, neck, ribs, back, and other parts of your body.
Normally, joints are cushioned and surrounded by soft tissues. Accumulation of fluid in and around these tissues results in swelling that also may be associated with pain and stiffness. The most common joints to be affected by swelling and pain are the elbows, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips, base of the spine, knuckles, and ankles.
What are the types of Joint Swelling?
There are two types of joint swelling:
- Acute joint swelling that comes on quickly, suddenly and lasts for a short time, for example, if you have an accidental injury
- Chronic joint swelling comes on slowly, gradually and causes long-term problems, for example arthritis, sepsis etc.
What are the Symptoms of Joint Swelling?
The common symptoms of joint swelling includes:
- Deep and intense pain in the joints
- May feel warm to touch
- Redness or discoloration
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Inability to move joints normally
What Causes Joint Swelling?
Joint swelling may be caused by:
- Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It’s caused by the natural deterioration of joint cartilage over time causing the bone edges to rub against each other resulting in joint pain and swelling.
- Rheumatoid arthritis- This is an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which your body attacks its own healthy tissues, where your immune system attacks the membranes that line your joints, causing fluid to build up and your joints to swell. It can damage the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments in your joints.
- Gout- In this condition there is an increase of uric acid in your blood which can result in the deposit of uric acid crystals in your joints, leading to joint swelling and pain.
- Psoriatic arthritis- This is a type of arthritis that can accompany the skin condition psoriasis. It is an autoimmune condition, in which your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints and skin that results in joint swelling, pain, eczema, itching and stiffness.
- Septic arthritis- This is an infection in your joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi which causes joint swelling and pain.
- Acute joint injuries: Bone fractures, dislocations, torn tendons and ligaments can also cause joint swelling.
How is Joint Swelling Diagnosed?
Your health care provider will discuss your medical history and symptoms. Your doctor will also want to examine the affected joints and may order one or more tests to help determine the cause of the swelling that may include:
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scan and MRI
- Joint aspiration, a test in which a needle is inserted in the affected joint to draw a small sample of accumulated fluid to be analyzed in a laboratory
How is Joint Swelling Treated?
Acute joint swelling, such as strains and sprains in the joints, tendons and ligaments, can usually be reduced by the PRICE method:
- Protect the joint area from further damage or harm
- Rest the joint and avoid activities that can cause pain
- Ice the joint for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours making sure to keep the ice wrapped in a cloth so it doesn’t touch or irritate your skin
- Compress the joint with a bandage which is firm, but not tight
- Elevate the joint over a soft pillow above the level of the heart to reduce swelling
Chronic joint swelling can be managed in the following ways:
- Medication such as NSAIDS which can reduce swelling and pain
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises
- Balanced diet to control rheumatoid arthritis and other such conditions
- If the problem is caused by an infection, you may need antibiotics or surgery to drain the fluid from that affected area
