Joint swelling

Alternative names:

finger swelling; hip swelling; knee swelling; swelling of a joint; toe swelling

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.