Joint swellingDefinition: Swelling occurs in the joints when fluid accumulates in the soft tissue, such as "water on the knee."
Alternative Names: Swelling of a joint; Knee swelling; Toe swelling; Finger swelling; Hip swelling
Considerations: Joint swelling may occur along with joint pain.
Home Care: For unexplained soft tissue joint swelling, contact your health care provider. Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if: Call your health care provider if any of the following occurs: - Severe, unexplained joint pain
- Severe, unexplained stiffness or swelling, especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms
What to expect at your health care provider's office: Your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting joint swelling may include the following: - Location
- Which joint is swollen?
- Is it the big toe?
- Is the jaw or neck swollen?
- Are multiple joints 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 the following: Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.
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