Joint Inflammation
Joint inflammation can affect your day-to-day life if ignored. Here is what causes it, which signs to watch for and what can help.
Inflammation is the body's response to infection, injury or irritation. Joint inflammation is most often caused by some form of arthritis or by an injury. In most cases it can be managed and treated effectively, with medication when needed, physical activity and a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet. Looking after your body and giving it what it needs can bring long-term relief.
I'm still standing
Damaged tissue in the body releases chemicals that cause swelling around a joint. The trigger may be an injury or a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout. When a joint is inflamed, the blood vessels around it widen so that more white blood cells can reach the area. In this way, inflammation is useful: it fights off invaders and starts the healing process. But if the inflammation continues over a long time, it can start to damage the joint.
Typical signs are pain, swelling, stiffness, redness and warmth around the affected joint. A hot, swollen joint together with fever may mean an infection and needs to be seen by a doctor the same day. Depending on the cause, prescription medication, injections, physiotherapy and adjustments to diet and activity can all help ease the symptoms. If several joints are swollen for weeks, read about rheumatoid arthritis and talk to a doctor, since early treatment matters.
Joint inflammation need not slow you down
Joint inflammation that is treated early need not slow you down. After a minor injury, the RICE method is a common first step: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Pain relief from the pharmacy can help in the short term, but check with a pharmacist if you have other health conditions or take medicines.
Once the acute phase has passed, gentle movement is usually better than complete rest. Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the joint and keeps it mobile. Some people find that warmth, a warm bath or massage eases stiffness, although the evidence for these is limited.
Keeping a healthy weight reduces the load on knees and hips, and not smoking lowers the risk of several inflammatory joint diseases. If the pain keeps coming back, a doctor or physiotherapist can help find the cause and a plan that suits you.
This article is general information and not medical advice. If you have symptoms or questions about your own health, talk to a doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
