Painful swelling in an inflamed joint resulting from infection. Any joint may be involved, but larger joints are more commonly affected. Infection next to the joint, as with skin boils, cellulitis or bone infection. Injury to the joint, including puncture wounds and skin abrasions.
Pain sometimes spreads to other joints.
It worsens with movement. Sexually transmitted infections. Injections into joints. Excess alcohol consumption. Use of mind-altering drugs, especially those that are injected.