Inflammation is a process by which the body’s white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection with foreign organisms, like bacteria and viruses. However, sometimes inflammation occurs when there is no infection present. This can happen as a result of an injury, like a sprained ankle. In these cases, inflammation is a normal and healthy response that helps promote healing.
There are many different ways to measure inflammation in the body, but one of the most common is to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. CRP levels can be measured with a simple blood test and are often used as a marker for inflammation in research studies.
Other common signs and symptoms of inflammation include: swelling, redness, heat, pain, loss of function.
Redness
When you have inflammation, your body’s white blood cells flood the area to heal the injury. This causes redness because the extra blood vessels bring more blood to the area.
A swollen joint that may be warm to the touch
You may have inflammation in your body if you have a swollen joint that is warm to the touch. This could be a sign of arthritis, which is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. Other symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. If you think you might have arthritis, it is important to see a doctor so they can diagnose and treat the condition.
Joint pain
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection. The inflammatory process helps to protect the body from further damage and aids in healing. However, when inflammation occurs in the absence of injury or infection, it can lead to joint pain and other symptoms.
There are many different types of arthritis that can cause joint pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and results from wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. Gout is a form of arthritis that results from excess uric acid in the blood (a condition known as hyperuricemia). And finally, bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion and lubricate the joints).
Tendinitis is another condition that can cause joint pain. Tendinitis occurs when there is irritation or inflammation of a tendon (the tough cords that attach muscles to bones). The most common type of tendinitis affects the shoulder (known as shoulder tendinitis or rotator cuff tendinitis), but it can also affect other joints such as those in the elbow, hip, knee, or ankle.
Injury is another common cause of joint pain. Joints can be injured by sudden trauma (such as from a fall) or overuse (such as from repetitive motion). Injuries to ligaments (the tissues that connect bones) and muscles around joints are also common causes of joint pain. Joints may also be affected by conditions such as osteoporosis (a condition marked by weakened bones) or avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply).
Joint stiffness
Joint stiffness can make it difficult to move the affected joint. The joint may feel stiff and painful when you try to move it. You may also notice that the joint swells up and looks red. Joint stiffness is usually worse in the morning or after you have been sitting for a long period of time.
There are several things you can do to ease joint stiffness. You should avoid activities that put stress on the affected joint. If you must do these activities, take breaks often and use ice to reduce swelling. You should also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain and inflammation.
If your joint stiffness does not improve with home treatment, you may need to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment options.”
A joint that doesn’t work as well as it should
The main symptoms of joint inflammation are pain, stiffness, and swelling. The affected joint may also feel warm to the touch. Inflammation can occur in any joint in the body, but is most common in the knees, hips, and shoulders. Joint inflammation is usually the result of an injury or infection. However, it can also be caused by a autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis. Treatment for joint inflammation typically involves a combination of rest, ice, heat, and physical therapy. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to reduce pain and swelling.