Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 143

146
FAMILY ILLNESS

Joint pain

If your ankle is swollen painlessly, see p. 148 Pain in a joint may be caused by injury or strain and often disappears without a cause being found. Gout or a joint infection can cause a joint to become red, hot, and swollen. Joint pain may also be a reaction to an infection or due to arthritis. Consult your doctor if pain is severe or persistent.
How many joints are affected?
One joint
More than one
START
Have you injured the joint?
Do you have either of the following?
ACTION
Injury
No injury
Hot joint( s)
Red joint( s)
Neither
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have septic arthritis( infected joint) or gout.
• Rest the painful joint.
• Take ibuprofen at the recommended intervals.
• Drink lots of fluid.
Does either of the following apply?
You cannot move the joint
The joint appears misshapen or swollen
Neither
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have fractured a bone, strained or torn a muscle, or torn a ligament.
• Follow the first-aid advice for a broken arm or leg( pp. 44 – 45).
Does moving the joint affect the pain?
Considerably worsens it
Slightly worsens it or no change
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES You have probably strained a ligament around the joint.
• Follow the first-aid advice for sprains and strains( p. 47).
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if the joint is no better in 24 hours.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have osteoarthritis.
• Take an analgesic such as acetaminophen.
• Put a covered hotwater bottle or heating pad on the joint.
Did the pain come on gradually over months or years?
Yes
No