A swollen joint indicates an increased amount of fluid in the soft tissue around the joint. Swelling can occur in any joint, and often indicates a process of inflammation. Pain and stiffness may accompany the swelling. If the spine is affected, it may be difficult to actually see the swelling between the vertebrae. Swollen joints are caused by illness, arthritis, infection and injury.
Gout
Gout is a very painful type of arthritis that can have either an acute or chronic form. The condition is associated with high levels of uric acid in the joint fluid, according to MedlinePlus.com. This acid forms into crystals, causing pain and inflammation. It often occurs in the first joint of the big toe, but can arise in other joints as well.
Reactive Arthritis
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, joints may become swollen due to an infection somewhere else in the body. The term "reactive" refers to the body's immunological reaction to an infection, which in the case of reactive arthritis is usually either food-borne or sexually transmitted. This condition can be caused by any of several bacteria including chlamydia, salmonella, shigella and campylobacter.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a systemic, autoimmune disease that can harm many different parts of the body, but primarily affects the joints. Autoimmune illnesses cause the body's immune system to attack its own tissues. With RA, this causes inflammation, swelling, and fluid accumulation in the lining of the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and immobility. The disease can eventually lead to destruction and deformity of the involved joints, according to the Centers for Diseases Control.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
This chronic disease primarily causes inflammation and swelling of the spine and hip joints. Sometimes the joints of the fingers, and the tendon of the heel may be affected, as well as the shoulders, knees, and ankles, states Merck Manuals Medical Library. The cause of this illness is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental triggers are thought to play a major role. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis have a genetic blood component called HLA-B27, according to the Spondylitis Association of America.
Osteoarthritis
This common form of arthritis can result in joint swelling that is caused by wear and tear of the cartilage. Cartilage is the tissue that lines the ends of bones where they meet and form a joint. Sometimes, tiny formations of bone can grow around the joint, creating a swollen, malformed, or enlarged appearance.
Injury
Injury to the soft tissue surrounding a joint, or to the bony portion of the joint itself often results in fluid accumulation, and swelling. This is a normal response to injury, and usually resolves on its own, although with any severe injury, it's always best to seek medical attention.
References
- The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Reactive Arthritis
- Centers for Diseases Control: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Merck Manuals Medical Library: Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies
- MedlinePlus.com: Joint Swelling
- Spondylitits Association of America: Ankylosing Spondylitis overview
