Joint swelling

• acute gouty arthritis (Gout)
• chronic gouty arthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• trauma
• ankylosing spondylitis
• enteropathic arthropathy
• infection
• Ludwig's angina
• pseudogout
• psoriatic arthritis
• Reiter's syndrome
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• hemarthrosis

Note: There may be other causes of joint swelling. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for joint swelling, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
For unexplained soft tissue joint swelling, see a health care provider. Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• there is severe, unexplained joint pain , stiffness or swelling, especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting joint swelling in detail may include:

• location
  • Which joint is swollen?
  • Is it the big toe?
  • Are multiple joints swollen?
  • Is the jaw or neck swollen?

• time pattern
  • When did the joint swelling develop?
  • Is it always present or off-and-on?
  • Is this the first time you have had swollen joints?

• quality
  • How swollen is the area?
  • If you press over the swollen area with a finger, does it leave a dent after you take the finger away?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes the swelling worse?
  • Is it any worse in the morning or at night?
  • Does exercise make it worse?

• relieving factors
  • What make the swelling better?
  • Does elevating the affected body part make the swelling go down?
  • Is it better if you use an elastic wrap?
  • What home treatment have you tried?
    • How effective was it?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there joint pain ?
  • Is there fever ?
  • Is there a rash ?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the affected joint(s).

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (such as a CBC or blood differential )
• X-rays of affected joints (see joint X-ray )

Intervention:
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to joint swelling, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.