[45F] Experiencing joint pain and swelling

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Symptoms include tender, warm, swollen joints, and joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation in your joints in order to prevent or slow joint damage.

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. While it can damage any joint, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips, and spine.

  • Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life, and may include a combination of lifestyle changes, physical and other therapies, medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

• Gout: This is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to control pain and reduce inflammation, and lifestyle changes to reduce levels of uric acid in the body.

Please note that these are just possible diagnoses and you should consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

While waiting for your doctor's appointment, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Apply a cold pack to the affected joints to help reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may help to reduce pain and swelling. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
3. Try to rest the affected joints as much as possible.
4. Gentle exercises may help to improve your joint flexibility. However, you should avoid high-impact activities that could worsen your symptoms.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your joint pain is accompanied by a fever.
• Your joint is red, swollen, and feels warm to the touch.
• You have severe joint pain and swelling.
• You can't move the joint.