Joint Swelling

Joint swelling occurs when the synovial membrane of a joint becomes inflamed, causing abnormal fluid build-up and enlargement of the joint. It is an important symptom of several medical conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, gout, and various autoimmune diseases. Joint swelling can be painful and significantly limit a person’s mobility. Treatment usually focuses on reducing inflammation, which can be done with medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of all three. Most cases of joint swelling are manageable and can improve with proper treatment.