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What Are the Causes of Swollen and Painful Joints?

People often develop inflammation in their joints because their body is trying to fight infection or is attacking its own immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A number of different forms of arthritis cause swelling and pain in the joints.

  1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that results from the body attacking membrane linings, cartilage and bones in the joints. Along with swelling and pain in the joints, the disease also causes joint stiffness, a fever and/or nodules on the arms.

    Lupus

    • Lupus is an autoimmune disease that results from the immune system attacking the joints, skin, heart, blood vessels or brain. When lupus affects the joints, people can develop swollen and painful joints, rashes, a fever and/or fatigue.

    Osteoarthritis

    • Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that destroys joint cartilage in the hands, neck, back, knees and/or hips. People with osteoarthritis often develop pain, swelling and/or stiffness in their joints, especially when they move or rest, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Gout and Pseudogout

    • Gout and pseudogout are forms of arthritis that are caused by an excess of uric acid or calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate in the blood, respectively, which cause deposits to form in the joints. Gout can cause joint destruction, as well as joint pain and inflammation, especially in the big toe, according to an article by William C. Shiel, Jr., on MedicineNet. Along with swelling and pain, people with pseudogout may feel warmth in their joints.

    Ankylosing Spondylitis

    • Ankylosing spondylitis is a joint disease that affects the joints between spinal bones. This disease causes swelling and pain in the joints in the shoulders, knees, hips and feet; swollen eyes; weight loss and/or heel pain.

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