Joint Swelling

Swelling is an engorgement, an inflammation and a puffiness. Joint swelling is the same characteristics applied to a joint. This can come about through the onset of certain diseases or through an accident resulting in injury or trauma to the joint.

Causes

The causes of joint swelling are varied. Among the major reasons for joint swelling are the following:

• Direct trauma to the area – since where there is a bone there is usually a joint, accidents can include breaking, dislocating or bruising a bone.
• Gout – The excess amount of uric acid deposits in the joint will result in swelling of the joints of the foot, particularly the big toe
• Osteoarthritis (OA) – The result of this disease is the swelling of joints
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – The autoimmune disease does create the conditions for the swelling of joints
• Bursitis – Joint swelling accompanies the inflammation of the bursa due to the close proximity of bursa to the joints
• Ankylosing spondylitis – the joints of the back (spine) of young men swell when affected by this inflammatory problem

Joints Affected

Due to the amount of joints in the body, any joint may technically become swollen. There are, however, certain joints that seem more prone to this issue. They include:

• Elbows
• Hands
• Wrist
• Knee
• Hips

Other joints that may be affected are ankles, neck, jaw and feet.

Treatment of Joint Swelling

To reduce the swelling requires the ingestion or injection of anti-inflammatory substances. These include the use of various substances including analgesics such as acetaminophen and ASA. Other possible non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include iubprofin, aspirin and naproxen. Many NSAIDs are available without prescription while some are not. Talk to your doctor.

A newer version of NSAIDs is also in use to reduce inflammation. These are the cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2 inhibitors). These are substances such as celebrex. They avoid some of the side effects associated with the other NSAIDs.

Corticosteroids are the steroid option for reducing and treating swelling of joins. This group of anti inflammatory drugs can be administered orally or through injection. You can only obtain these through a doctor’s prescription and order. They provide instant relief from the pain of the swelling.

Surgery can also reduce the swelling. Arthroscopic surgery on the knee or hips can replace the affected part and therefore reduce the swelling. There are also 35,000 knee arthroplasty surgeries performed in Canada annually.

In order to reduce the swelling, a doctor may direct you to a physiotherapist. Certain exercises will help. These measures need to be balanced out with rest in an appropriate formula.

There are also alternative measure to take such as osteoplasty and chiropractics. Some individuals also find acupuncture, shiatsu, reflexology, Pilates, and the Alexandrain technique to work. Still others turn to herbalism and home remedies.

Conclusion

Joint swelling is a painful condition brought about through accident, direct injury, trauma to the affected joint or as the result of a disease. Common causes include OA and RA as well as gout and bursitis. It can be treated in a number of ways, some are traditional and others focus on a holistic or natural approach. Talk to a specialist before you decide which approach or approaches will work best.