Joint swelling - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Joint swelling can result from abnormalities affecting the affected joint or from problems affecting bone structures, ligaments, tendons, bags or the surrounding soft parts. The swollen joint can be painful and hot to the touch. Furthermore, there may be spills, limitations of movement and extra-articular symptoms.

If the onset is acute (hours or days), in general, the swelling indicates a trauma or joint damage (eg lesion of the meniscus, osteonecrosis, fracture or distortion), an infection or a crystal deposition pathology ( eg bacterial arthritis, gouty arthritis etc.). In the case, instead, the articular swelling persists for several weeks or months, it can indicate the presence of a chronic disease such as arthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, a tumor or a systemic inflammatory pathology (eg systemic lupus erythematosus).

For a correct diagnosis, it may be necessary to take a sample of synovial fluid for analysis (white blood cell count, Gram stain, culture test and crystal search) from the affected joint. Further examinations (eg X-rays) can confirm the diagnosis.