Septic arthritis is caused mainly by bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Micro-organisms like staphylococci, hemophilus influenzae, gram-negative bacilli, gonococci, staphylococci, and streptococci are likely to responsible for development of this disease. When bacterial infection occurs in any part of body, bacteria from the infected area can enter the bloodstream and then get transported all over the body. These bacteria can enter the joints through the blood stream and can give rise to infection leading to inflammation of joints. Major signs and symptoms of septic arthritis (infectious arthritis) are severe pain in affected joint, swelling of the joint, warmth in the area around joint, shaking chills and fever.
Symptoms of septic arthritis can occur suddenly and usually occur in knee. However, joints of hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow, fingers and wrist can be affected by this disease. The joint pain is accompanied by swelling and stiffness which is resulted from the accumulation of fluid. The pain in most of the cases becomes unbearable. An infected hip joint can give rise to groin pain which may worsen with movements such as walking. Infants having septic arthritis may appear fussy due to related pain and fever and may not be able to move the affected joint.
The septic arthritis affects infant, children and adults with same intensity. However, the affected portion of the body may differ in different cases. The adults may experience pain in the weight-bearing joints such as knees and other similar joints, while the children may experience pain in body parts like shoulders and hip.
Tenderness in the joint is a very common symptom associated with septic arthritis. The intensity of the pain may increase or decrease depending upon your physical activity. Leaking of fluids from the tissue is considered to be one of the most important symptoms of septic arthritis.
The diagnosis of septic arthritis is done on the basis of blood culture, x-ray of affected joints and analysis and culture of synovial fluid. After proper diagnosis of the disease, appropriate treatment plan is decided. The goal of treatment for septic arthritis is to eliminate the bacterial infections, reduce joint inflammation, minimize the joint damage and to improve and maintain mobility of joints.
Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment for septic arthritis which may help to eliminate bacterial infection. Joint drainage is another effective treatment option for this disease. Removal of synovial fluid from the infected joint helps to remove bacteria and decreases pressure on the joints.
In addition to this, you can take some precautions to reduce the severity of this disease. As joint injury is one of the causes of septic arthritis, protect your joint from any kind of injury. If you have undergone recent joint surgery or joints injections, you should take proper care of affected area to prevent bacterial infections. In addition to this, physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and stiffness of joints. Improve immunity of your body by balanced, healthy diet and gentle exercises.
