Why swelling occurs

Acute refers to swelling that occurs within 24 hours of injury. If the swelling occurs within the first 2 hours, it is probably associated with hemarthrosis and should be checked out by a physician. Chronic refers to swelling that occurs over a long period of time and can be difficult for an athlete to detect, but is very harmful if left untreated. The body always responds to an injury with a predictable inflammatory response, as the first step towards healing. Redness, heat, swelling and pain are associated with this first stage.

Redness and heat are caused by increased blood flow. Swelling is the result of the increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area. The release of chemicals and the compression of nerves in the area of injury cause pain. The pain and swelling can keep the athlete from using the injured part, serving to protect it from further injury. However, often times, the body's response is excessive.

Chronic swelling leads to tissues becoming more rigid and less pliable than their healthy counterpart. Less pliable tissues are more susceptible to further injury. If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than weeks, you should see your doctor.

Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling. Remember, swelling is the body's reaction to an injury; if the swelling is still present, so is the injury. Kluchurosky says, "You should be able to perform multiple repetitions of the activities your sport requires jumps, sprints, kicks, etc without an increase in swelling or pain in the injured area before attempting to return to competition.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Longo DL, et al. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Accessed Aug. McKean SC, et al, eds. In: Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine. Trayes KP, et al. Edema: Diagnosis and management. American Family Physician. Papadakis MA, et al, eds. Common symptoms. Sterns R, et al. Swelling is a common condition. Many people experience swelling for benign reasons, such as standing for too long or sustaining a minor injury.

However, in some cases, swelling could be a side effect of a medication or a more serious underlying health condition. A person should talk to their doctor about what is causing their swelling and take steps to treat any underlying conditions. Swelling can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, a person may have a bone broken, poor circulation, or an underlying health condition. Treatment and prevention should help alleviate symptoms of swelling, but a person needs to receive treatment for any underlying health conditions they have to prevent or reduce future swelling.

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Causes and symptoms Tests Treatment Prevention Seeing a doctor Outlook Summary Swelling occurs when a part of the body increases in size, typically as a result of injury, inflammation, or fluid retention.

Causes and symptoms. Share on Pinterest Sometimes, inflammation from an injury can lead to swelling.