Joint pain and swelling
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Definition
Pain and swelling, in joints.
Epidemiology
Joint pain especially is incredibly common. Joint swelling is less so, but the two are almost always related.
Pathophysiology
The pain can come from many causes; in destructive disease, its from nerve ending being exposed by damage to bone and cartilage, in non destructive conditions, I'm not sure where the pain comes from.
Clinical and Associated Features
The symptoms of joint pain will vary according to the cause. Symptoms like pain, swelling, stiffness, or warmth suggest joint inflammation. May also be:
- redness,
- painful to touch
- reduced joint mobility.
Differential Diagnosis
Inflammatory:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Other connective tissue disorders
- GI complaints like Coeliac's,Crohn's and Colitis
Infective:
- Joint infection
- Reactive arthritis
Others (less common):
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Leukaemia