Joint swelling
Joint swelling is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint or the joint itself.
Considerations
Joint swelling may occur along with joint pain. The swelling may cause the joint to appear larger or abnormally shaped.
Joint swelling can cause pain or stiffness. After an injury, swelling of the joint may mean you have a broken bone or a tear in the muscle tendon or ligament.
Many different types of arthritis may cause swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.
An infection in the joint can cause swelling, pain, and fever.
Causes
Joint swelling may be caused by different conditions, including:
-
Chronic type of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic form of arthritis. It mostly affects the bones and joints at the base of the spine where it connects with t...
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Painful type of arthritis caused by buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint (gout)
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Arthritis caused by wear and tear of joints (osteoarthritis)
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.
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Arthritis caused by buildup of calcium-type crystals in joints (pseudogout)
Pseudogout
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) arthritis is a joint disease that can cause attacks of arthritis. Like gout, crystals form in the joints. Bu...
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Disorder that involves arthritis and a skin condition called psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis)
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint problem (arthritis) that often occurs with a skin condition called psoriasis.
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Group of conditions that involve the joints, eyes, and urinary and genital systems (reactive arthritis)
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that follows an infection. It may also cause inflammation of the eyes, skin and urinary and genital system...
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Inflammation of joints, nearby tissues, and sometimes other organs (rheumatoid arthritis)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...
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Inflammation of a joint due to an infection (septic arthritis)
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...
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Disorder in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue (systemic lupus erythematosus)
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...
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Home Care
For joint swelling after an injury, apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. Raise the swollen joint so that it is higher than your heart, if possible. For example, if your ankle is swollen, lay down with pillows comfortably placed under your foot so that your ankle and leg are slightly raised.
If you have arthritis, follow your health care provider's treatment plan.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider right away if you have joint pain and swelling with a fever.
Also contact your provider if you have:
- Unexplained joint swelling
- Joint swelling after an injury
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will examine you. The joint will be closely examined. You will be asked about your joint swelling, such as when it began, how long it has lasted, and whether you have it all the time or only at certain times. You may also be asked what you have tried at home to relieve the swelling.
Tests to diagnose the cause of joint swelling may include:
- Blood tests
- Joint x-rays
Joint x-rays
This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Joint aspiration and examination of joint fluid
Joint aspiration and examination of joi...
Synovial fluid analysis is a group of tests that examine joint (synovial) fluid. The tests help diagnose and treat joint-related problems.
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Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.
Reviewed By
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
West SG. Systemic diseases in which arthritis is a feature. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 259.
Woolf AD. History and physical examination. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 32.
Van Vollenhoven RF. Evaluation of monoarticular and polyarticular arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 45.