Septic arthritis: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of septic arthritis

Septic arthritis or septic arthritis is an infection that causes pain in the joints . This musculoskeletal disorder is a serious condition and can affect anyone.

This infection may be acquired from bacteria moving through the bloodstream from other parts of the body. However, this condition can occur when there is an open wound that makes it easy for bacteria from outside to enter the body and attack the joints.

Usually, this condition is more prone to be experienced by infants and the elderly. Septic arthritis is more common in the joints in the knee area, but this condition can also affect the hips, shoulders, and joints in other areas.

This infection can also damage the cartilage and bone in the joints, if not treated properly. So, if you experience this condition, go to the doctor immediately for fast and appropriate treatment.

Treatment of septic arthritis is usually carried out using antibodies, specifically to treat the infection that causes this condition.

How common is this condition?

Anyone can be at risk for septic arthritis. However, this disease is very common in children under three years of age and in the elderly over 80 years of age. Can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms of septic arthritis

Usually, a septic arthritic affects only one joint, for example in the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or finger joints.

Symptoms of this one joint problem can vary from person to person, but in general people who experience it septic arthritis usually experience the following symptoms:

• High fever.
• Joint pain.
• Swollen joints.

The symptoms of septic arthritis may look similar to those of some other health conditions. Therefore, before undergoing treatment for this one condition, ask a medical expert or doctor to make a diagnosis first.

When to see a doctor?

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience intense pain in a particular joint. The sooner it is treated, the better and the chance that the inflamed joint will improve without having to operate.

Each person's body works in different ways. It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor the best solution for your situation.

Causes of septic arthritis

Starting from bacteria, viruses, and fungi can attack and cause infection in joints. Even so, bacterial infection is one of the main causes septic arthritis. The types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause this condition include:

• Staphylococci , the type of bacteria that often causes skin infections.
• Haemophilus influenzae, bacteria that can attack the larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
• Streptococci , a group of bacteria that can cause various types of diseases.
• Gonococci , the bacteria that cause gonorrhea.
• Viruses such as HIV can also attack joints.

Even so, there is one type of bacteria that most often causes septic arthritis , that is staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can attack the body in various ways, such as:

• Broken bones that pass through the skin.
• An infection that spreads from one location to another in the body, such as from the skin and genitals.
• Infected wounds.
• Foreign objects that enter the body through the skin.
• An injury that causes the skin to tear.

Risk factors for septic arthritis

Risk factors for septic arthritis include:

• Use of drugs that are given intravenously.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Ever experienced septic arthritis previous.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Alcohol addiction.
• Diabetes.
• HIV.
• Lung or liver disease.
• Aging age.
• Immune system disorders.

Diagnosis & treatment of septic arthritis

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Doctors can diagnose joint infections based on a medical history and medical examination. In addition, the doctor will check the fluid by taking the fluid with a needle and blood tests to check for infection.

MRI and CT scans and other bone image methods can also be used to help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

What are my treatment options for septic arthritis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment is for septic arthritis focus on taking fluids that fill the joints and using antibiotics.

Take fluids from the joints

The collection of fluids in the joints is one of the crucial or important treatment methods to overcome septic arthritis . This can be done by:

• Using a needle to collect fluid, where the doctor will take fluid from the joint that has the infection by inserting a needle into it.
• Procedure scope, which is done by inserting a small tube with a camera that is inserted into the joint. The fluid inside the joint will be sucked into the small tube.
• Surgical operations are usually performed to treat infections of the hip joints because they usually cannot be treated using only needles or procedures scope .

Use of antibiotics

If the doctor feels that using antibiotics is the most effective method to treat your condition, usually the doctor will give it through a vein in the arm first.

After some time, you can only take antibiotics in the form of oral drugs. Usually, treatment using antibiotics lasts quite a long time, starting from 2-6 weeks.

Even so, you still have to be careful because the use of antibiotics has side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Therefore, before using it, ask first, what side effects you might experience after using it.

Home remedies for septic arthritis

Usually, after undergoing treatment, you will still need to make lifestyle changes to help with the recovery process at home. The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you cope septic arthritis :

• Rest the affected joint, especially if you are still actively using it sometimes. Avoid using it too much at first.
• Lifting the affected joint septic arthritis if possible to reduce swelling and pain.
• Compress the joints using ice cubes. Use a towel to wrap the ice cubes and place it on the affected joint for about 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
• Perform regular stretching exercises to increase joint flexibility and reduce any pain that may arise.
• Using medicines prescribed by a doctor and see a doctor regularly to monitor the progress of the disease.
• Perform physiotherapy. Even though this process is unpleasant, you need to be patient and follow the directions from the experts to get better quickly.
• Lose weight if you are overweight. Losing weight can help your joints; especially the pressure on the joints of the feet.

If you have further questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.