The foot contains 26 bones and more than 30 joints. The body’s natural response to any type of joint injury is to increase blood flow to the affected area. This results in an accumulation of fluid in the tissues in and around the joint, resulting in swelling. Depending on the cause of the injury, joint swelling may be accompanied by stiffness, redness, warmth and pain.

Joint swelling may also result from inflammatory, degenerative, traumatic, infective, or crystal-forming joint diseases, such as gout. If joint swelling persists, a foot and ankle surgeon can best determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.