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Joint Swelling

Joint issues can be painful for everyone. The pain is not just a result of a fracture, ligament tear, or injury, but it can also occur in the case of a swollen joint. This joint swelling is a result of inflammation caused due to an injury, infection, or chronic health condition.

There are many effective treatments available for the same. But it is also advisable to be cautious while performing daily activities to avoid injury, get a proper diet, and consult a doctor urgently in case of pain.

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Overview

What is Joint Swelling?

Joint swelling mainly refers to the condition when fluid builds up in the tissues around the joint area and causes discomfort for the person. It happens due to inflammation caused due to injury or infection in the body. It is also known as Joint Infusion.

At the time of inflammation, the body recognizes and reacts to the harmful foreign elements (bacteria and viruses). It helps to protect the body from infection, but sometimes leads to the build-up of fluid around the joint area. In such cases, the joint is swollen and also seems red.

Causes of Joint Swelling

Joint Swelling can be caused due to many reasons. Here are some common reasons for the same:

  • Injury: Any kind of sprains, strains, fractures, overuse, or intense stress on the joint.
  • Arthritis conditions: Some of the major arthritis conditions are as follows:
    • Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation)
    • Gout (uric acid crystal buildup)
    • Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of cartilage)
    • Psoriatic arthritis
    • Ankylosing spondylitis
    • Infectious arthritis
  • Infections: Some bacterial, viral, or fungal infections affect the joint (septic arthritis and Lyme disease).
  • Tumors: Any kind of abnormal tissue growth around or inside the joint.
  • Immunity Disease: There are also some autoimmune diseases, like lupus, that negatively affect the joints of the human body through inflammation.
  • Effusion: There can be some fluid buildup due to inflammation or injury.
  • Reaction: Any kind of allergic reaction can also cause temporary swelling in joints.

Symptoms of Joint Swelling

There are some considerable symptoms of joint swelling:

1 Symptoms of Swollen Joints

  • Intense pain
  • Warmth over the joint
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced or restricted mobility of the joint.
  • Sometimes, only a few of these symptoms may appear

2 Other Symptoms Linked to Inflammation

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stiff muscles
  • Warm skin

Diagnosis of Joint Swelling

To check and treat the problem of joint swelling, the doctor can follow any of the following methods:

1 Physical Inspection

The Doctor touches and inspects the visible condition of your joint, such as redness, warmth, and stiffness. But, there can be some other possibilities other than joint swelling as well with the same symptoms.

2 Match the Symptoms

The Doctor checks the symptoms of the patients and matches them with the joint swelling symptoms to conclude about the disease. Symptoms like pain, warmth, stiffness, and immobility are considered first.

3 Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI give pictures of the inside of your joint. These help the doctor see if there is extra fluid, injury, or damage. This makes it easier for the doctor to find the exact cause of your joint swelling and plan proper treatment.

4 Test the Fluid

The doctor may use a thin needle to take a small amount of fluid from your joint. This test shows if the swelling is from infection, gout, or another condition. It is a simple and safe test that gives important information for choosing the right treatment.

Treatment of Joint Swelling

Treatment depends on many things. It can change based on your age, health, medicines you take, and the severity of symptoms. It reduces pain with medicines, lifestyle changes, and surgery as well. Here are some reliable ways of treatment:

1 Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)

  • Drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can reduce pain and swelling.
  • In arthritis (like RA, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis), NSAIDs help with pain and stiffness.
  • Gout is often treated with a drug called colchicine, which reduces swelling and pain caused by crystals in the joint.
  • Sometimes doctors also recommend stronger painkillers.

2 Corticosteroids (steroids)

  • Steroid medicines (like prednisone) block inflammation.
  • Doctors may inject steroids directly into the swollen joint. This often gives quick but short-term relief.
  • During this procedure, the doctor can also suggest the removal of extra joint fluid.
  • Steroids can also be taken as pills for a short time.

3 Other medicines (DMARDs, biologics, enzyme inhibitors):

  • These are strong medicines that affect the immune system.
  • They can slow down diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Some of them are also used for cancer, bowel disease, or after organ transplants.
  • Because they are strong, doctors monitor patients closely while using them.

4 Antibiotics

  • The doctor gives antibiotics in case of swelling due to the infection.
  • Sometimes surgery is needed to drain the infected fluid.

Prevention of Joint Swelling

To prevent the joint swelling issue, follow the given tips properly:

  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
  • Exercise regularly with low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
  • Warm up before exercise and avoid it during injuries.
  • Eat a balanced and anti-inflammatory diet (fruits, vegetables, omega-3-rich foods).
  • Stay hydrated to keep joints healthy.
  • Protect joints with proper footwear and support.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, as they can deepen joint problems.

How can We Help with Joint Swelling?

At our clinic, we understand how painful and uncomfortable swollen joints can be. Our team carefully checks the cause of your swelling through physical examination, tests, and scans. Based on your condition, we provide the right treatment, which may include:

  • Medicines to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Safe fluid removal.
  • Injections for quick relief.
  • Physiotherapy to improve movement and strength.
  • Guidance on lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise.
  • Surgical care is used in severe cases where other treatments do not work.

Frequently asked questions

Joint swelling in the ankle can be caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, gout, infection, or fluid buildup. It is just like any other joint swelling, painful and stiff.

Knee swelling causes include arthritis, injury, infection, gout, or excess fluid in the joint. You may also feel some of its severe symptoms, including pain, redness, stiffness, and immobility.

Joint swelling in fingers may happen due to arthritis (like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis), gout, injury, or infection. Consult a doctor and get the required treatment to deal with joint swelling.

Knee swelling home remedies include rest, applying ice, keeping the knee elevated, using a compression bandage, gentle exercise, and eating anti-inflammatory foods.

Knee swelling on the side may be due to a meniscus tear, ligament injury, bursitis, or arthritis.

Swollen joints can be treated with rest, ice, elevation, medicines, fluid removal, or physical therapy, depending on the cause.

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