What Are the Treatments for Swollen Joints?

Joints swell when fluid in the tissue surrounding the joints increases. Swollen joints are common in people with arthritis, infections, and joint injuries. Treatment for swollen joints depends on the cause of the swollen joint. Different medications and healthy lifestyle choices can help relieve the swelling and pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of swollen joints include join stiffness, warmth and swelling of joint, and a deep, achy pain.

Healthy Lifestyle

Making healthy lifestyle choices like eating healthy foods and exercising can help ease swollen joints. Strengthening muscles provides joint support, while losing weight can ease the pain on knees, hips, and the spine.

NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for swollen joints cause by osteoarthritis (OA) and injury. Also, applying moist heat or ice can help reduce pain and swelling.

Steroids

Steroids that are taken orally can reduce the pain and swelling of joints. Steroids block the body from producing inflammatory chemicals.

Combinations

Sometimes a combination of treatments is used to provide relief from swollen joints. Treatment may include a combination of medications like NSAIDs, steroids, and drugs that affect the immune system.

References

• WebMD: Swollen Joints