Symptoms of inflammation or infection in a joint
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Symptoms of inflammation or infection in a joint
It is normal to have some pain and swelling following an injury.
Pain, redness, and swelling can occur with inflammation (such as with bursitis, arthritis, or tendinitis).
Pain and swelling that occurs with other symptoms may be caused by an infection. Symptoms may include:
- Redness or warmth.
- Pain with movement.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- A joint that is tender to the touch.
- Drainage of pus.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Fever.
Infections can occur without a known injury to the affected area. Most infections develop when germs (bacteria) enter the cut, punctured, or scraped skin after an injury.
Prompt medical treatment of an infection can prevent serious complications.
Credits
| Author | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Richard Holtby, MD, BS, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
| Last Updated | October 14, 2005 |
| Last updated: | October 14, 2005 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Richard Holtby, MD, BS, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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