Swollen Joints Treatment at Our Orthopedic Urgent Care in Spartanburg, Greenville & Duncan, SC

Experiencing a swollen joint can be painful, limiting, and often concerning, especially when the swelling appears suddenly or begins interfering with daily activities. At Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurological Associates (CONA), our orthopedic urgent care clinics provide prompt evaluation and treatment for swollen joints, joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and related conditions affecting mobility. Whether your symptoms began after a sports injury or developed gradually, our board-certified orthopedic specialists are here to help you find relief and protect long-term joint function.

What Causes Swollen Joints?

A swollen joint occurs when excess fluid collects in or around the joint space. This may happen after an injury such as a fall or sports-related impact, or it may be caused by inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis. Some patients experience swelling that builds slowly over time, while others may notice sudden and painful swelling that makes movement difficult. Because swollen joints can have many different causes, proper evaluation is essential to ensure that treatment directly addresses the underlying issue—not just the swelling itself.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Common symptoms of a swollen joint include visible puffiness, joint stiffness, limited range of motion, and discomfort when bending, walking, lifting, or gripping. The joint may feel warm to the touch or appear red. If swelling is severe, sudden, or accompanied by fever or inability to bear weight, it may require immediate orthopedic evaluation to rule out infection or significant joint injury. Our orthopedic urgent care is equipped to assess these situations quickly to prevent further joint damage.

When Should I Go to Orthopedic Urgent Care for Swollen Joints?

If you’re experiencing sudden or severe swelling in a joint—especially after an injury or if it’s accompanied by pain, warmth, redness, or limited movement—it’s crucial to visit orthopedic urgent care. These symptoms can indicate conditions such as inflammation, infection, or crystal buildup, all of which require prompt evaluation.

At CONA, our orthopedic specialists perform a detailed assessment that may include imaging such as X-rays or MRI and, when necessary, joint fluid analysis to determine the cause of swelling. Once identified, we create a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and restore mobility. Treatments may include anti-inflammatory medication, rest, structured physical therapy, bracing, joint aspiration, or image-guided injections.

Many swollen joints can be treated effectively without surgery, but if structural damage is found, our orthopedic surgeons provide advanced procedures to preserve and protect long-term joint function.

Orthopedic Urgent Care for Sudden Swollen Joints

If your swollen joint is new, painful, or interfering with your ability to move comfortably, CONA’s orthopedic urgent care allows you to receive same-day evaluation and treatment—without long emergency room wait times. Our urgent care providers specialize specifically in bones, joints, and musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring faster, more accurate treatment for swollen joints and related injuries.