US Medical Term · symptoms
Joint Swelling
Hinchazón articular
Also: Articulaciones inflamadas (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Joint Swelling |
| Spanish (Español) | Hinchazón articular |
| Chinese (中文) | 關節腫脹 |
| Korean (한국어) | 관절 부종 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Sưng khớp |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pamamaga ng kasukasuan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Inchaço nas articulações |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ข้อบวม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 関節腫脹 |
What it means
Joint swelling refers to visible or palpable enlargement of one or more joints, often accompanied by warmth, redness, and pain. It occurs when fluid accumulates inside the joint or surrounding tissues become inflamed. Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, injury or trauma, and infections such as septic arthritis. Sudden swelling of a single joint, especially with intense pain and fever, may indicate infection or gout and requires prompt evaluation. Chronic joint swelling affecting multiple joints often points to an inflammatory or autoimmune condition. Blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and imaging help determine the cause.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My knee is swollen, warm, and painful to touch.
Mi rodilla está hinchada, caliente y dolorosa al tacto.
Several of my finger joints have been swollen and stiff in the morning.
Varias de mis articulaciones de los dedos han estado hinchadas y rígidas por la mañana.
The swelling in my ankle came on suddenly after I walked a lot.
La hinchazón en mi tobillo apareció de repente después de caminar mucho.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
M25 Other joint disorder, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026