| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Soft tissue swelling in one or more joints. This can also refer to fluid in the joint, such as "water on the knee." |
| Alternative Names | Swelling of a joint; Knee swelling; Toe swelling; Finger swelling; Hip swelling
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| Considerations | Joint swelling may or may not occur along with joint pain . |
| Common Causes | acute gouty arthritis (Gout)chronic gouty arthritisrheumatoid arthritis trauma ankylosing spondylitis enteropathic arthropathy infection Ludwig's anginapseudogoutpsoriatic arthritisReiter's syndromesystemic lupus erythematosus hemarthrosis |
| Home Care | For unexplained soft tissue joint swelling, see a health care provider. Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause. |
| Call your health care provider if | there is severe, unexplained joint pain , stiffness or swelling, especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms. |
| What to expect at your health care provider's office | 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. |
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