MyMediktor - Traumatic arthritis

Very low urgency

Very common-

Non-infectious inflammation of a joint and surrounding tissues.

Caused by repeated overuse or trauma to the joint. It can also become inflamed as a result of a fracture of the bones that articulate with it.

It presents with joint pain and swelling.

It is diagnosed based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as x-rays and/or MRI are used to complete the examination.

Treatment is based on analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and local application of cold. It may be necessary to puncture the joint to drain blood.

Bibliographic references

Josef S Smolen. Undifferentiated early inflammatory arthritis in adults. UpToDate. Aug 29, 2016.
Simon M Helfgott. Overview of monoarthritis in adults. UpToDate. Dec 07, 2015.
Ma L, Cranney A, Holroyd-Leduc JM. Acute monoarthritis: what is the cause of my patient's painful swollen joint? CMAJ 2009; 180:59.
Guidelines for the initial evaluation of the adult patient with acute musculoskeletal symptoms. American College of Rheumatology Ad Hoc Committee on Clinical Guidelines. Arthritis Rheum 1996; 39:1.
Javier Lucas Pérez-Romero, Claudio Peñalver Pardines, David capdevila Bernardo. Monoartritis aguda. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010.Páginas: 1063-1068.

Author

Dr. Elvira Moreno

Copyright

Symptoms

Pain in a single joint

Swollen joint is painful to move

Swollen limb

Swollen, hot, red joint

Knee pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that does not subside with analgesics.

Inability to perform movements with the joint

Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.

Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Avoid sudden movements.