Joint Swelling: Causes, Treatment & Help

Joint swelling describes a painless or even painful enlargement of the joint. It can affect any joint throughout the body.

What is joint swelling?

Joint swelling describes the swelling of a joint, and it can be any joint in the body. Joint swelling describes the swelling of a joint, and it can be any joint in the body. Sometimes joint swelling is painless or painless. It can be recognized by the fact that the joint becomes thicker and one can only move in a restricted way. However, it is not uncommon for joint swelling to cause pain, which can be significant and must be treated symptomatically. Joint swelling may be the concomitant or even the leading symptom of an injury, but this is not the only cause. However, there is usually nothing to be afraid of when treating joint swelling – there are very simple, quick and painless ways to get the joint swelling to regress and heal so that you can move freely again and no longer have any restrictions.

Causes

The trigger for joint swelling can be an injury, usually sustained during sports. Strains, tears or other injuries to muscles bring a characteristic joint swelling, because every tendon and muscle docks with a bone – and these almost all end in the joint. However, joint swelling also occurs from injuries such as bruises or capsular tears, where blood enters the joint from a torn vein, causing it to swell and ache. Sometimes joint swelling is simply due to an accumulation of water – by water, of course, we don’t mean the chemical substance H2O, but are talking about the body’s own waste fluids. Patients with osteoarthritis or arthritis also sometimes suffer from joint swelling.

Diseases with this symptom

  • Capsule rupture
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Inflammation of the joints (arthritis)

Diagnosis

In the case of joint swelling, the affected joint is first palpated depending on the sensitivity to pain. The doctor may also try to move it to see exactly where the source of pain is and where the joint swelling may be coming from. An x-ray is then taken to look inside the affected joint and determine what exactly the joint swelling is now. Depending on the type of tissue, a CT scan may also be needed to rule out all other possibilities – this is the norm for osteoarthritis and arthritis. However, in some cases of joint swelling, simply looking at the joint and gently palpating it may be enough to identify where the problem may lie, leaving only the X-ray to establish the diagnosis for certain.

Complications

Joint swelling can cause several complications. First, the swelling causes pain, which can increase as the condition progresses, sometimes severely limiting the mobility of the affected joint. In addition, the swelling can press on surrounding vessels and nerves and lead to a variety of symptoms, including paralysis, circulatory problems and generally limited mobility. Joint swelling that occurs as a result of a strain or other sports injury can become a chronic symptom, ultimately leading to joint wear and tear. If the swelling is due to an accumulation of water in the joint, mobility may also be restricted. Furthermore, a bacterial focus can form within the joints, which can lead to inflammation of the joint (arthritis) or Lyme arthritis. In extreme cases, the inflammation shifts to other joints and leads to bursitis and similar complaints there. In the treatment of joint swelling, the risks lie primarily in misdiagnosis, which can lead to the administration of unsuitable medication and inappropriate therapeutic measures. Overexertion of the already weakened joint can permanently damage the bone and cartilage structure and lead to aggravation of the condition. It is therefore advisable to first have joint swelling clearly diagnosed as such before starting therapy measures and taking medications.

When should you go to the doctor?

Joint swelling should not be underestimated. It is possible that the body sends an important signal by the swelling of the body parts, which is mandatory to pay attention to. However, since the swelling can also be harmless, it is necessary to differentiate. However, in case of doubt, it is always better to seek medical help at an early stage. In a large number of cases, joint swelling is due to certain external circumstances. In the case of falls, accidents, bruises or other physical trauma, a visit to the doctor is always indicated if the joint swellings are intense. If the swelling is severe and does not subside, medical advice should be sought immediately. If the discomfort is minimal, it is possible to wait at first. A physician should be contacted if there is no independent improvement. Patients who are already under medical advice should follow the arrangements and instructions of the respective physician. In case of already known swellings, which are the result of an underlying disease, the treating physician should be consulted if changes occur. It is therefore helpful to observe one’s own body at first. If sudden swelling of the joints occurs that cannot be attributed to any external causes, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Waiting is then neither reasonable nor sensible, as the specific cause must first be properly diagnosed.

Treatment and therapy

Sports injuries such as tendon ruptures, strains, overstretching, bruises or capsular tears are treated with a pain-relieving ointment, usually Voltaren – which is freely available. They are also immobilized for a period of time with the help of a bandage, allowing the joint swelling to subside and the joint to recover. Cracks must heal, and clotted blood must be broken down. The joint swelling itself will usually subside within a short time and will not further hinder healing. However, if the joint swelling is a case of fluid entering the joint, a small cannula is inserted and the fluid is drained out. This is painless, as a fast-acting local anesthetic is given if necessary. The joint swelling subsides immediately and you no longer have pain. In the case of arthrosis and arthritis, on the other hand, treatment is very individual. The basic problem must be observed in the long term, against the joint swelling, for example, physiotherapy, physiotherapy or various drugs help.

Outlook and prognosis

Joint swelling does not have to lead to complications in every case. Often this runs completely without or only with very little pain. If joint swelling occurs after an accident or a blow to the affected joint, the area can be cooled to make the swelling go away. Usually, the symptom disappears on its own after a few days. If the swelling is caused by a serious accident, nerves may be damaged or destroyed in the process. In this case, numbness and disturbance of blood circulation may occur at the joint swelling. If the joint swelling does not disappear within a few days, a doctor should be consulted. As a rule, the swollen part of the body can no longer be used for work or sports activities. Depending on the position of the joint swelling, this can restrict the patient’s lifestyle to a greater or lesser extent. Joint swelling can often be treated with pain management and physical therapy. If it subsides on its own, there is no further discomfort or pain. In some cases, there may be pressure pain on the joint swelling that also goes away as the swelling goes down.

Prevention

Joint swelling from a sports injury is best prevented by taking proper safety precautions. Instructions given by staff during training or team sports must be followed by everyone. Safety clothing and proper posture must also be observed. Pre-existing patients who have experienced joint swelling from other causes should take care to rest their joints whenever possible and follow their treatment plan if they are currently required to adhere to a drug therapy or gymnastics plan.

Here’s what you can do yourself

For mild joint swelling, patients can help themselves with some measures and remedies from nature. The most effective remedies are rest and cooling.Ice compresses and cold packs from the pharmacy should be applied to the swelling two to three times a day for a quarter of an hour. Medicinal preparations with extracts from comfrey root are suitable for reducing the pain. Homeopathic remedies such as the anti-inflammatory Apis mellifica are also recommended. Enzyme tablets accelerate the actual swelling process and can be taken especially in the acute phase. For joint swelling as a result of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, anti-inflammatory plants such as nettle or South African devil’s claw help. Both remedies can be used as an infusion or tea. Curd compresses, willow bark, cabbage compresses and celery tea also help with inflammatory joint disease. Recommended bath additives are oils from rosemary, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon or olive that stimulate circulation. Locally, a cherry pit pillow or hay bag can reduce joint swelling and loosen muscles. For stiff joints and muscles, homemade remedies made from fruit pectin and grape or prune juice also help. Gout-related joint swelling can be counteracted with anti-inflammatory and regulating remedies such as Epsom salts, activated charcoal and baking soda.