Joints that feel warm to touch
Overview
Warm joints are a symptom where one or more joints feel noticeably hot or elevated in temperature when touched. This condition often indicates inflammation within the joint and may be accompanied by swelling, pain, or redness.
Common Causes
Warm joints can result from increased blood flow during physical activity or exercise, which is a normal response as your body works to deliver nutrients and oxygen to active tissues. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis, minor injuries, or overuse can also cause joints to feel warm as your body's natural healing processes increase circulation to the affected area. Sometimes hormonal changes, stress, or even warm weather can contribute to this sensation by affecting your body's circulation patterns.
Severity Levels
Mild: Joint feels slightly warmer than usual but you can still move it normally with minimal discomfort. The warmth may come and go throughout the day.
Moderate: Joint feels noticeably hot to touch and may be accompanied by some swelling or stiffness that affects your daily activities. The warmth is more persistent and may interfere with sleep.
Severe: Joint feels very hot and is likely swollen, red, and extremely painful. Movement is significantly limited and you may have difficulty using the affected joint for basic tasks. Seek medical attention promptly.
Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you have warm joints along with fever, severe pain, or if the warmth developed suddenly. Contact your doctor within a day or two if the warmth persists for more than 48 hours, is accompanied by swelling or stiffness, or if you have multiple joints affected. If you have a history of joint problems or autoimmune conditions, it's important to have any new joint warmth evaluated promptly by your healthcare provider.
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