Septic Arthritis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

You can usually make a full recovery with early medical intervention. However, any delay in treatment can lead to permanent joint disability and even septic shock. Bacteria that cause bacterial joint inflammation can enter your body through yours.

Some of the types of bacteria that can cause this infection include:

• Staphylococcus Aureus: causes staph infections;
• Staphylococcus aureus : an streptococcal infection;
• Streptococcus Pneumonia: causa pneumonia bacteriana;
• Neisseria Gonorrhoeae: cause;
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis: the cause of tuberculosis
• Borrelia burgdorferi: causes Lyme disease;

Who’s at Risk for Septic Arthritis: Bacterial joint inflammation can affect anyone at any age. However, it most often affects the young and the very old. Some other risk factors include:

• Previous joint surgery or an artificial implant;
• Rheumatoid arthritis and medications for this condition;
• lupus;
• drop;
• Injecting drugs regularly;
• Psoriasis or eczema ;
• Thin skin or skin sores ;
• Weakened immune system ;
• Taking medications that suppress immune functioning;
• Another bacterial infection in the body, such as a respiratory infection
• unprotected sex;
• Gum disease or periodontal surgery;
• Diabetes  mellitus
• smoking;
• Recurrent or chronic urinary infections;

The type of bacteria causing your infection determines your symptoms. General symptoms of bacterial joint inflammation occur quickly. They can include:

• Elevated body temperature;
• Pain in a joint;
• swelling and redness;
• Warm skin over the joint;
• lack of appetite;
• fatigue;
• Elevated heart rate;
• Children often experience bacterial joint inflammation in their hips and shoulders. Adults tend to notice joint pain in the arms,
• legs and particularly the knees. The back and neck are less commonly affected.

Treatments for Bacterial Joint Inflammation:  Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic after identifying the bacteria causing the infection. You may be given antibiotics intravenously so that the medication flows directly into your bloodstream.

Your doctor may follow up by giving you an oral antibiotic. Antibiotic treatment can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of bacterial infection you have and your general medical condition.

Your doctor may drain fluid from around the joint. This helps to reduce pressure and eliminate harmful bacteria. This is often done arthroscopically. This procedure involves the use of tubes to drain and flow suction.

Arthrocentesis is another way to eliminate fluid. This procedure involves penetrating the joint area with a needle. In some cases, the joint must be irrigated and debrided during an open procedure.

Follow your doctor’s instructions if they recommend exercising or moving the joint. Rotating or moving the joint can prevent stiffness and weakness and help promote blood flow for healing. Physical therapy or other rehabilitation can also help with recovery.

Other treatments involve over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce any swelling and discomfort. Resting the affected area, elevating the joint, and applying hot or cold compresses can also help relieve pain and inflammation. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to recover.

How Can I Prevent Bacterial Joint Inflammation:  Always seek immediate medical attention for any suspected infection. This can help reduce your risk of developing bacterial joint inflammation. People at high risk for septic arthritis can discuss preventive antibiotics with their doctors.

What’s the Long-Term Outlook:  Getting treatment quickly makes a big impact on your long-term outlook. You can usually expect to make a full recovery if you receive treatment within a week of the onset of symptoms. Without treatment, you could experience loss of joint function, joint degeneration, infection in other parts of the body, or even septic shock.