An Overview of Joint Swelling

Injuries:

• Sprains and Strains: Injuries to ligaments or muscles.
• Fractures: Broken bones affecting joints.
• Dislocations: Joints pushed out of their usual alignment.

Arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis: Cartilage wear and tear.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune joint inflammation.
• Gout: Uric acid crystals in joints.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: Associated with psoriasis.

Infections:

• Septic Arthritis: Joint infection.
• Lyme Disease: Tick-borne bacterial infection affecting joints.

Other Inflammatory Conditions:

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa sacs.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons around joints.

Metabolic Conditions:

• Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid affecting joints.
• Hemochromatosis: Excessive iron affecting joints.

Other Factors:

• Overuse or Repetitive Motion: Joint strain.
• Allergic Reactions: Rarely causing joint swelling.
• Medications: Certain drugs causing fluid retention.

• Visible Swelling: Enlarged or puffy joint area.
• Pain: Discomfort or pain in the affected joint.
• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion.
• Warmth and Redness: The affected area might feel hot when you touch it and look red.
• Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch or pressure on the swollen joint.

• Severe Pain: Intense pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Persistent Swelling: Swelling that lasts more than a few days or keeps recurring.
• Signs of Infection: Fever, redness, warmth, and severe pain in the joint.
• Joint Deformity: Visible changes in the shape of the joint.
• Limited Mobility: Inability to move the joint or bear weight on it.
• Underlying Health Conditions: If you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or lupus and notice new or worsening symptoms.

Home Care:

• Rest: Avoid activities that strain the affected joint.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and numb pain.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage or brace to support the joint.
• Elevation: Raise the injured limb to decrease swelling.

Medications:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): For pain relief and to reduce inflammation (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen).
• Corticosteroids: Oral or injectable steroids to reduce severe inflammation.
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): For conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Colchicine: For acute gout attacks.
• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections causing septic arthritis.

Physical Therapy:

• Exercises: Strengthening and flexibility exercises.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques to enhance joint mobility.

Surgery:

• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure for joint damage.
• Joint Replacement: Replacement of severely damaged joints.

• Primary Care Physician: For initial evaluation and referrals.
• Rheumatologist: For autoimmune and inflammatory joint diseases.
• Orthopedic Surgeon: For injuries and structural joint problems.
• Physiotherapist: Providing rehabilitation and physical therapy services.
• Online Platforms: Use websites or apps to find and schedule an appointment with a local healthcare provider.