Differential Diagnosis for Swelling and Aching Joints
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common type of arthritis, characterized by wear and tear on the joints, leading to swelling and aching. It's more prevalent in older adults and those with a family history of OA.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to swelling, aching, and stiffness. It often affects multiple joints simultaneously and can lead to severe disability if not treated.
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints, most often the big toe. It's caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.
- Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, and other organs. Joint pain and swelling are common symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A medical emergency where a joint becomes infected, leading to severe pain, swelling, and redness. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent joint destruction and other complications.
- Lyme Disease: Caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites, Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, particularly in the knees, as well as other systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term complications.
- Cancer (e.g., Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma): Certain types of cancer can cause joint pain and swelling, either directly by involving the joints or indirectly through paraneoplastic syndromes.
Rare Diagnoses
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often accompanied by skin and nail changes.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can be involved. It leads to chronic pain and stiffness in the back and can cause the vertebrae to fuse together.
- Reactive Arthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body, often in the gastrointestinal tract or the urinary tract. It's characterized by joint pain and swelling, typically in the knees, ankles, and feet.