Regular exercise is paramount to overall health. But even good habits can be marked by unhealthy consequences. Swelling in your joints after exercise usually indicates some sort of injury or aggravation related to your workout routine. It could be related to an isolated incident or be a symptom of a chronic condition. In either case, evaluating and caring for the swelling is important.
Other Symptoms
Swelling is often accompanied by red skin that is warm to the touch. Inflammation in the joints may also develop, although it can be difficult to identify underneath the swelling. Swollen joints may suffer from a limited range of motion and could be painful to use. Pain could also be present when the joint is stationary. In extreme cases a fever may develop.
Possible Causes
The most common cause of swelling after prolonged periods of exercise is an injury in one or more joints. This could be minor or major, depending on the severity of the swelling and other factors. A fracture may have developed, or a tear could have occurred in the muscles, tendons or ligaments. If swelling is widespread in different joints, its cause is probably not injury-related and is more likely one of several forms of arthritis or gout, according to Medline Plus.
Home Treatment
Swollen joints can be treated at home by following the RICE method --- rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest the joints --- abstain from further exercise and minimize their use around the house. Apply ice or cold packs to the joints to ease the pain and reduce swelling. Put pressure on the swelling through a compression sleeve or wrap; this will further reduce inflammation. Elevation can also help blood drain from the joint.
Considerations
In some cases you may not want to wait before contacting a doctor or other health care professional. If you think the swelling is the result of an injury, seek medical attention. Unexplained joint swelling is also cause for alarm. An accompanying fever could indicate an emergency situation that requires immediate medical attention, according to Medline Plus.
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