Very low urgency

Very common-

Non-infectious inflammation of a joint and the tissues surrounding it.

The cause is repeated overloading or trauma of the joint. It may also become swollen as a result of a fracture involving the joint bones.

It manifests with pain and joint swelling.

It is diagnosed through clinical questioning and physical examination. Additional investigations may include imaging tests such X-rays and/or MRI.

Treatment is based on pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs and local cooling. Puncturing the joint may be required 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

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics

Inability to do movements with the joint

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

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

Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.

Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Avoid doing abrupt movements.

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