About Joint Swelling
When fluid builds up around a joint, it causes the joint to swell. This can result in a rather uncomfortable condition that may be accompanied by stiffness, limited range of motion and outright pain. There are many things that cause joint swelling, ranging from chronic conditions to broken bones. Some of the causes are easier to treat than others.
The Facts
There are a wide range of conditions that commonly cause joint swelling. One is arthritis, which becomes a problem when the cartilage that separates bones deteriorates and begins to allow them to rub together. In addition to swelling, this leads to redness, stiffness, pain and impaired movement. Another condition that causes joint swelling is gout, which begins without warning, frequently at night. It causes intense pain, redness and swelling of the affected joint. Some other conditions that commonly cause joint swelling include trauma to the joint or surrounding bone, Reiter's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis and Ludwig's angina.
Misconceptions
Many people are under the impression that joint swelling can only occur as a result of a chronic condition, injury or disease. However, both bacterial and viral infections can cause the joints to swell, too. For example, blastomycosis is a type of fungal infection that causes joint swelling, coughing, fever, fatigue, rashes and lesions, shortness of breath and stiffness. Another infection, called septic arthritis, is the result of bacteria and causes swollen joints, low-grade fever, stiffness, pain and redness. It also causes a more limited range of motion.
Risk Factors
There are some times when swollen joints require immediate attention. If you've broken a bone, of course, your swollen joint should be medically evaluated right along with the injured bone. You are also at risk for a serious condition that requires medical attention if you have a fever, even a low-grade one, and/or chills with the swelling. You should also seek medical attention if your joint is punctured. Likewise, it's wise to call your doctor if swelling that has not previously been evaluated by a doctor lasts longer than 7 days or the joint becomes red and hot.
Type
There are several types of treatment that may be used for joint swelling. The right one for you depends on what caused the swelling in the first place. For chronic medical conditions and injuries, including arthritis and gout, medication may be prescribed for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often recommended for immediate pain relief at home, and stronger prescription drugs may be prescribed if these fail. In some cases, corticosteroids may be injected into the affected joint for pain relief. If the swelling is caused by an infection, however, an antibiotic or anti-fungal medication may be necessary in addition to medications to relieve pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.
Identification
Before anything but mild joint swelling can be treated, it is necessary to identify the source of the problem. Your doctor will ask you a series of questions designed to determine when the swelling began, and he should also perform a physical examination. Depending on the severity of the swelling and your answers to his questions, you doctor may also perform blood tests and X-rays to identify the problem. Your doctor may even remove fluid from the joint, a procedure called joint aspiration, and examine it to figure out the cause of the swelling.
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