Septic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is generated by an infection. It is also known as infectious arthritis. Septic arthritis is infection in the fluid of a joint typically caused by bacteria, but sometimes the cause may be viruses or fungi.
People who already have some type of arthritis are in greater risk of septic arthritis as well older person with a bloodstream infection who by accident injures a joint.
Contrary to other types of arthritis, septic arthritis is generally not a long-term condition.
But if not treated promptly and properly, septic arthritis can result in damage to the joints and can reach the other parts of the body.
Septic Arthritis Symptoms
Septic arthritis symptoms usually start in few hours to a few days. The affected joints become red and warm, and touching it or moving is extremely painful. Fluid collects in the infected joint, causing it to swell and stiffen. Septic arthritis symptoms also may include chills and fever.
The joints most commonly affected are the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers. Most bacterial and fungal infections affect only one joint while viral infections can infect a few or many joints simultaneously.
Septic Arthritis Treatment
Septic arthritis treatment includes a combination of potent antibiotics and draining the infected fluid from the joint. In the beginning, empiric antibiotics are selected to cover a wide range of infections.
If the bacteria can be recognized, antibiotics specific to that organism are administered. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to cure septic arthritis.
