Joint effusion, or swelling, can be caused by injury, arthritis, or gout. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, warmth, and redness. Treatment varies depending on the cause and can include rest, ice, medication, and physical therapy. Consult a doctor for persistent swelling and pain.
Joint effusion is another name for joint swelling. A swollen joint occurs when there is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the surrounding tissue. The knees and ankles are common places for swollen joints.
Additional joint effusion symptoms depend on the cause of the condition. A swollen joint may feel swollen. It is also typically associated with pain and can be stiff and difficult to move. The area may also feel warm and red in color.
There are many possible causes of joint effusion. It can be the result of a traumatic injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or sprain. With an injury, the patient may also have internal bleeding due to trauma to the tendons, ligaments, or muscles.
Another possible cause of joint effusion is arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that typically occurs as a result of aging or an injury. The cartilage around the joint wears away, causing swelling. Osteoarthritis typically occurs in the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, rather than joints such as the elbows. The most obvious symptom of this type of arthritis is severe pain in the area.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause severe pain and swollen joints. It also results in joint stiffness and range of motion problems. This disease is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body mistakes healthy tissue for foreign substances, then attacks itself. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause fatigue, fever, flushing or warmth, and loss of appetite.
Gout is another type of arthritis that causes severe swelling and pain in the joints. It is also identifiable by the warmth and redness of the joint. Severe cases of gout can prevent the patient from bearing any weight on the affected joint. For example, the weight of a blanket may be too painful to bear. The joint effusion in gout is caused by uric acid, or small crystals, forming deposits in the affected joint.
Patients experiencing persistent joint swelling and pain should consult their physician. After taking the patient’s history, the doctor will usually conduct a physical exam to diagnose the source of the joint effusion. The doctor will also ask the patient about any symptoms he has been experiencing. To make an accurate diagnosis, tests such as x-rays and blood tests will be administered. Your doctor may also take fluid from the joint for testing.
Treatment of joint effusion varies depending on the specific cause. In some cases, the patient can self-treat the condition by resting and applying ice to the area. You may also take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve swelling. Compression wraps or snug bandages and elevating the joint above the heart can also help reduce swelling.
If the joint effusion is severe, your doctor may prescribe additional medications, such as corticosteroids, to help relieve swelling. He may also recommend that the patient work with a physical therapist for rehabilitation. Often, the specific course of treatment will depend on the cause of the joint swelling.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
