Pain that increases in the joint throughout the day is associated with which finding?

• A. Nerve entrapment
• B. Decreased swelling
• C. Progressive edema
• D. Muscle fatigue

Answer: (C)

Pain that gets worse as the day goes on in a joint points to progressive edema from inflammation. When a joint is inflamed, inflammatory mediators increase blood vessel permeability, allowing fluid to leak into the joint capsule and surrounding tissues. With continued use and time, this fluid buildup grows, producing swelling that intensifies this pain, since the extra fluid raises joint pressure and stimulates pain receptors. This pattern contrasts with nerve entrapment, which tends to produce neural symptoms and pain tied to specific positions or movements rather than a steady increase in swelling. Decreased swelling would not align with pain that worsens throughout the day, and muscle fatigue centers on muscular tiredness rather than joint edema.