Definition
What is Septic Arthritis?
Septic arthritis is an infection within the joint, meaning that bacteria enter the joint and cause swelling and pain. Septic arthritis rarely occurs in several joints at the same time.
Joints that are prone to infection include the knees, hips, wrists, shoulder joints, elbows, and ankle joints.
Septic arthritis is painful and damages the joints, you may even have to have joint replacement surgery.
How common is septic arthritis?
Anyone can be at risk for septic arthritis. However, the disease is very common in children under 3 years of age and the elderly over the age of 80. Can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Consult a doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of septic arthritis?
The signs of septic arthritis are swelling in the joints that are fast, very painful, and difficult to move. In addition, there are symptoms such as:
- high fever
- chills
- muscle aches
- fatigue.
There may be symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I 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 chances are that the inflamed joint will improve without surgery. Each person's body works differently. It's a good idea to discuss with your doctor the best solution for your situation.
Reasons
What causes septic arthritis?
The most common causes of septic arthritis are abnormal changes in the joints, such as:
- Injury
- Other forms of arthritis
- A weakened immune system from other diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer and chemotherapy drugs
- Have joint implants
Risk factors
What increases my risk for septic arthritis?
There are many risk factors for septic arthritis, such as:
- The innate weak immune system
- Have other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune disorders
- Injuries to the joints
- Drugs
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for septic arthritis?
The process of treating septic arthritis has 3 phases: antibiotics, surgery, and arthrocentesis, while physiotherapy will help the joints move normally again.
Usually, the doctor will inject antibiotics in the first 2 weeks and prescribe medication 2 to 4 weeks later.
The doctor will take fluids if the infection does not improve. The fluid will be taken using a translation arthrocentesis (by inserting a needle into the joint and suctioning out the fluid) or the doctor will perform arthrocentesis surgery.
After a few days of treatment, you will start physiotherapy to restore movement of the joints until you feel no pain and the normal joint function returns.
What are the usual tests for septic arthritis?
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 imaging methods can also be used to help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat septic arthritis?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with septic arthritis:
- Use the drugs prescribed by the doctor and see the doctor regularly to monitor the progress of the disease
- Exercise to help the joints become stronger. If you feel pain after exercising, you should contact your doctor or a physiotherapist for adjustment
- Do not give up when doing physiotherapy. While this process may be unpleasant, you need to be patient and follow the directions of 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 will be much less and better for your overall health
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.