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In general, swelling is any abnormal enlargement of a body part. This can be due to fluid - including blood - bony malformation, muscle, or any number of things. Edema describes fluid, or swelling, that has accumulated in the tissue outside of your joint capsule. This includes swelling in your calf or thigh. Effusion describes fluid that is inside your joint capsule, such as a swollen ankle or knee. Hemarthrosis is a condition where there is blood in the effusion within your joint capsule and indicates either a ligamentous injury, such as an ACL tear, or a fracture. This is determined by extracting some fluid from the joint capsule with a needle. 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 detrimental if left untreated.

WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT SWELLING?

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 area of inflammation. 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.

"Prolonged inflammation and pain can lead to atrophy of the muscles surrounding the joint and a decreased ability to activate the muscles," states Lisa Kluchurosky, ATC, coordinator, Children's Sports Medicine. "If not treated appropriately, the swelling can become chronic, or long term. Chronic swelling leads to tissues becoming...