040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
Infectious Arthritis: Symptoms and Risks
Infectious arthritis, also known as septic arthritis, is a type of arthritis caused by an infection in the joint. This condition can have a significant impact on one's health, leading to inflammation and damage within the affected joint. The presence of infection can also trigger systemic responses in the body, potentially affecting overall well-being and mobility. Proper and timely management of infectious arthritis is crucial to prevent complications and preserve joint function.
What are the Symptoms of Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis typically presents with symptoms related to inflammation and joint pain.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionCauses of Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is primarily caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi entering the joint through the bloodstream or from an external source such as an injury or surgical procedure.
- Bacterial infection
- Viral infection
- Fungal infection
- Parasitic infection
Types of Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis can present in various forms, each characterized by unique symptoms and causes.
- Bacterial Arthritis: Caused by bacterial infection in the joint, leading to inflammation and pain.
- Viral Arthritis: Occurs due to viral infections such as hepatitis or parvovirus, resulting in joint inflammation.
- Fungal Arthritis: Caused by fungal infections that affect the joints, leading to swelling and discomfort.
- Parasitic Arthritis: Arthritis resulting from parasitic infections like Lyme disease, causing joint pain and inflammation.
- Reactive Arthritis: A type of arthritis triggered by an infection in another part of the body, leading to joint inflammation and pain.
Risk Factors
Infectious arthritis risk factors include having a weakened immune system, recent joint injury or surgery, chronic health conditions like diabetes or HIV, and intravenous drug use.
- Age (children and older adults)
- Recent joint surgery
- Presence of an artificial joint
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic joint conditions
- Skin infections
- Intravenous drug use
- Sexually transmitted infections
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Schedule Your Appointment
Diagnosis of Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to identify the underlying cause of joint inflammation.
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Joint aspiration
- Imaging tests
Treatment for Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is typically treated by addressing the underlying infection and managing symptoms to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for infectious arthritis. They help fight the underlying bacterial infection causing the joint inflammation.
- Joint Aspiration: Joint aspiration involves draining fluid from the affected joint to relieve pain and pressure. It can also help identify the specific pathogen causing the infection.
- Antiinflammatory Medications: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation in infectious arthritis. They do not treat the infection itself but provide symptomatic relief.
- Rest and Immobilization: Resting the affected joint and using splints or braces can help reduce stress on the joint and promote healing. Immobilization may be necessary in severe cases to prevent further damage.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help improve joint mobility, strength, and function after the acute phase of infectious arthritis. It can also aid in preventing long term joint stiffness and deformity.
Still have questions? Speak with our experts now!
040-68334455Frequently Asked Questions
What is infectious arthritis?
Infectious arthritis, also known as septic arthritis, is a joint infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that leads to inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
What are the common symptoms of infectious arthritis?
Common symptoms of infectious arthritis include joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, fever, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
How is infectious arthritis diagnosed?
Infectious arthritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans.
What are the treatment options for infectious arthritis?
Treatment for infectious arthritis often involves antibiotics to treat the underlying infection, drainage of the infected joint fluid, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to remove infected tissue.
Can infectious arthritis be prevented?
Prevention of infectious arthritis involves maintaining good hygiene practices, promptly treating infections elsewhere in the body, and seeking medical attention for any signs of joint infection.
Feeling unwell?
Request a callback!
