Sudden swelling, redness, pain and stiffness in any part of the body—this is a serious problem that bothers many people. Scientifically speaking, inflammation or swelling is a condition in which our immune system responds to infections or injuries in the body. Swelling and pain occur due to increased blood flow when cells are damaged. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind swelling:
Uric acid and Gouty Arthritis: The main reason for sudden severe swelling and redness in the joints of the limbs (especially the big toe, knee, and ankle) is uric acid. Uric acid is a byproduct formed when purines in some of the foods we eat are digested. When it is not excreted properly through urine, it forms needle-like crystals and accumulates in the joints, causing severe swelling and pain.
Autoimmune Diseases: Another major cause of chronic joint pain and swelling is autoimmune diseases. One of the most prominent of these is Rheumatoid Arthritis. The body’s immune cells attack the cells in its own joints, thinking they are the enemy, causing chronic severe swelling and deformity in the joints.
Edema: The condition of excessive fluid accumulation between the cells of the body is scientifically called Edema. People with heart failure, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis experience severe swelling and heaviness in the legs, face, and abdomen because the body does not properly excrete fluids.
Sprains & Strains: Muscle strains that occur while running, falling from a car, or twisting your foot while walking can cause swelling. Small tears in the ligaments, which are the fibers that hold the joints together, cause a large amount of chemicals like histamine and prostaglandins to flow into the area, causing severe swelling and swelling.
Changed diet and severe stress: Processed foods, heavy sweets, flour, fried and fried dishes, and excessive red meat (beef, mutton) produce inflammatory cytokines that increase inflammation in the body. Along with this, severe mental stress and lack of sleep can cause chronic swelling through changes in the cortisol hormone in the body.
