Swelling - What Causes Pain and Swelling

Definition: Swelling refers to an unusual accumulation of fluid within soft tissues. Common areas of swelling include the knees, ankles and othere joints in the lower leg.

When soft tissues (muscles, tendons or ligaments) are injured, they often become swollen and may possibly bleed internally. This swelling causes pain and loss of motion, which limits use of the muscles.

Swelling commonly occurs after an acute injury such as ankle sprain or another type of sprain or strain, bruise, fracture, dislocation or any traumatic injury.

Swelling also occurs with many chronic injuries.

To reduce swelling, immediately apply ice to the injury, elevate the injured part above your heart and, use a compression wrap to help keep the swelling in check. Compression keeps the blood from pooling in the tissues. Don't wrap the bandages too tightly, but keep it snug.

Also See

• Sports Injury First Aid
• Should I Ice or Heat My Injury?

_Source:

The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, The Use of Ice in the Treatment of Acute Soft-Tissue Injury. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials; Chris Bleakley, et al, The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2004, Volume 32.