Joint swelling

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The structure of a joint

Joint swelling is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint.

Swelling of a joint

Joint swelling may occur along with joint pain. The swelling may cause the joint to appear larger or abnormally shaped.

Joint swelling can cause pain or stiffness. After an injury, swelling of the joint may mean you have a broken bone or a tear in the muscle tendon or ligament.

Many different types of arthritis may cause swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint.

An infection in the joint can cause swelling, pain, and fever.

Joint swelling may be caused many different things, including:

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gout
• Osteoarthritis
• Pseudogout
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Review Date: 07/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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