Information on Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis also known as, septic arthritis. Infectious arthritis is a type of joint inflammation caused by a germ. Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis) is infection in the fluid and tissues of a joint generally caused by bacteria, viruses, mycobacteria. Septic arthritis occurs most often in people who have had a recent traumatic injury to a joint, have had joint surgery or joint replacement, and/or in people who currently have an infection in their blood (bactericidal or septicemia).

Microorganisms can extend from an original locate of infection into the blood and then can be carried into the joint space. Additional risk factors for septic arthritis embrace age, having diabetes, a weakened immune system, and/or another condition that affects the joints, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Infectious arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints. Joints are the places where two or more bones come together. The pain and swelling is called inflammation. Infectious arthritis is usually rather painful. Children who are affected may even refuse to walk if their leg, ankle or foot joints are involved.

In joints other than the hip or shoulder, swelling may be apparent, and the affected area might feel hot or look red. Infectious arthritis normally affects only one joint, but sometimes affects more. Both men and women can get infectious arthritis. It can affect people of any age.  Some people are more probable to get infectious arthritis than others. Infectious arthritis requires usually requires several days of treatment, with follow-up drug and physical therapy lasting several weeks or months. The primary treatment is the appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Antimicrobial drug will also be useful in treating the cause of the infection when it has originated in the blood or other body organ or tissue. Surgery may be essential to eliminate damaged tissue from the joint. If serious damage already has occurred, surgery may be required to reconstruct the joint. Aspiration may require to be done several times to alleviate pressure. In several cases, surgery may be required to drain the fluid. Surgery is rarely necessary for arthritis related with gonorrhea or viral infection. Safe sex practices and anti-tick measures can assist prevent the infections that may lead to an arthritic condition.