Septic Arthritis Treatment
What is it?
Septic arthritis, also called infectious or bacterial arthritis, is not as common as some of the other types of arthritis. However, it needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly because it can destroy joints in a short period of time. Septic arthritis occurs most often following direct injury, such as in an accident, in persons with artificial joints, and in persons with bacteria in the blood (bacteraemia) due to certain infections, such as a skin infection.
Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Joint infection caused by fungi or parasites is much less common than that caused by bacteria or viruses. Typically, septic arthritis affects a single large joint, such as the knee or hip, but it is possible for several joints to be infected.
Septic arthritis, also called infectious or bacterial arthritis, is not as common as some of the other types of arthritis. However, it needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly because it can destroy joints in a short period of time. Septic arthritis occurs most often following direct injury, such as in an accident, in persons with artificial joints, and in persons with bacteria in the blood (bacteraemia) due to certain infections, such as a skin infection.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of septic arthritis include:
* Fever
* Shaking chills
* Severe pain in the affected joint, especially when you move that joint
* Swelling of the affected joint
* Warmth in the area of the affected joint
Treatment involved for Septic Arthritis
It is important to get rid of the infection immediately. Delay may lead to destruction of the joint and blood poisoning (septicaemia). The doctor will try and identify the bacteria causing your infection. This is done by taking blood samples for culturing in the laboratory and taking fluid out of the joint with a syringe and needle for laboratory examination. Once the bacteria have been identified, you will be treated with antibiotics. These are given intravenously in the arm. A small tube (cannula) is put into an arm vein so that a needle is not required each time a dose is given. This makes it far less painful and also more effective. The antibiotics are given three or four times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. This is usually followed by antibiotic
tablets for several weeks more to make sure that the infection is totally eradicated.
