Infectious arthritis: Basic Disease Information

Infectious or Septic Arthritis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (Pathology)

What is Infectious Arthritis?

Infectious arthritis, also known as septic arthritis, is inflammation of a joint caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It typically affects one large joint, like the knee or hip, and can cause severe pain and swelling.

How is Infectious Arthritis Contracted?

It can occur when an infection from another part of the body spreads to a joint through the bloodstream, or when the joint is directly infected through injury or surgery. Risk factors include a weakened immune system and existing joint problems.

What are the Symptoms of Infectious Arthritis?

Symptoms include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected joint, fever, and chills. The joint may also have a decreased range of motion.

How is Infectious Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves analyzing joint fluid through arthrocentesis, blood tests, and imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess joint damage and inflammation.

What is the Treatment for Infectious Arthritis?

Treatment usually involves antibiotics to fight the infection and may require hospitalization. In some cases, surgery may be needed to drain the infected joint. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are also used to relieve symptoms.

Can Infectious Arthritis Lead to Complications?

Yes, if left untreated, it can lead to joint degeneration, cartilage damage, and reduced joint function. It can also cause sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.

Is Infectious Arthritis Preventable?

Preventative measures include prompt treatment of infections, using proper safety measures to avoid joint injuries, and maintaining good overall health to strengthen the immune system.

Common symptoms of infectious arthritis include severe joint pain, swelling, redness, warmth, limited range of motion, and fever. The affected joint(s) may also appear tender and be accompanied by systemic symptoms like fatigue and malaise. If left untreated, infectious arthritis can lead to joint damage and chronic disability.

Diagnosis of infectious arthritis involves a thorough physical examination, medical history review, and various diagnostic tests such as joint fluid analysis, blood tests, imaging studies, and microbiological culture to identify the causative organism. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal medications to target the underlying infection, along with pain management and physical therapy to alleviate symptoms and maintain joint function.

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Prevention of infectious arthritis can be achieved by practicing good hygiene, avoiding high-risk behaviors that may lead to infection, promptly treating skin wounds or infections, and following prescribed medical protocols for individuals with compromised immune systems. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to reducing the risk of complications and improving the outcome of infectious arthritis.

Infectious arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and is caused by an infection. The general symptoms of infectious arthritis include:

Pain and swelling in the affected joint
Redness and warmth around the joint
Limited range of motion
Fever
Chills
Fatigue and weakness
Joint stiffness
Difficulty moving the affected joint
Joint inflammation

Note: The specific symptoms may vary depending on the underlying infection causing the arthritis.