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What is Joint Inflammation?
Joint inflammation, also known as arthralgia, is a condition in which a joint becomes red and swollen, often accompanied by pain and stiffness. Joint inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from injury or overuse, a viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune disorder, or even a wear and tear on the joints from aging.
Signs and Symptoms of Joint Inflammation
The most common signs and symptoms of joint inflammation include pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness in the affected joint. Pain may be constant or intermittent and is often described as a dull ache. Stiffness may worsen after periods of rest and make it difficult to move the affected joint. Swelling can be seen in the affected joint and may be accompanied by warmth. These symptoms can be long-lasting and significantly affect an individual’s quality of life.
What Causes Joint Inflammation?
Joint inflammation can be caused by many things, including:
- Injury or overuse – when joints are pushed or pulled too hard, the joint may become inflamed from the strain.
- Viral or bacterial infections – some infectious microorganisms can invade the joint and cause inflammation.
- Autoimmune disorders – conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a malfunctioning immune system that targets the joints and causes inflammation.
- Wear and tear on the joints – commonly seen in the elderly, natural wear and tear on the joints over time can lead to inflammation.
How is Joint Inflammation Treated?
Joint inflammation is usually treated with a combination of rest, heat and cold therapy, medications, physical therapy, and dietary supplements. Resting the affected joint can help reduce pain and prevent further damage. Heat and cold therapy can be used to reduce swelling and ease pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy can help with stretching and strengthening affected joints. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help slow the breakdown of the cartilage in the affected joint. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the affected joint.
Keywords
Joint inflammation, arthralgia, swelling, redness, pain, stiffness, injury, overuse, infection, autoimmune disorder, wear and tear, heat therapy, cold therapy, medications, physical therapy, dietary supplements, glucosamine, chondroitin, surgery.
