Do not ignore persistent swelling, particularly when several joints are affected. Early assessment is important because some inflammatory forms of arthritis can cause lasting joint damage if treatment is delayed.
A joint that becomes suddenly very painful, hot, and swollen—especially if you also have a fever—needs urgent medical assessment because an infection or another serious condition may be responsible.
4. Warmth, Tenderness, or Redness Around a Joint
Have you noticed that a painful joint feels warmer than the surrounding skin?
Warmth and tenderness can occur when inflammation affects a joint.
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.
