Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is joint inflammation that is caused by a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. It mainly affects large joints such as the joints of the hips, knees and shoulders but sometimes smaller joints may be affected. Septic arthritis develops as a result of a previous infection. It usually begins as an infection which travels through the body and ends up in the joints which causes an inflammation symptom. Septic arthritis usually strikes only one joint but may strike more than one. The duration of septic arthritis is short with prompt treatment.

What are the symptoms of septic arthritis?

A symptom of septic arthritis depends largely on what germ is causing it. When septic arthritis is caused by a bacterium, the inflammation symptom normally comes on suddenly, is localized in one area and causes fever and chills. In contrast, when septic arthritis is caused by a virus, there is usually no fever symptom but a general all-over achy feeling. When the septic arthritis is caused by a fungus, there may or may not be a fever symptom, the pain and inflammation symptom can occur in one area or throughout the entire body and appears slowly over several weeks or months.

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How is septic arthritis diagnosed for treatment?

Septic arthritis is diagnosed by a physical exam, questions by your doctor about recent illnesses, travel or contact with those who have infections as well as symptoms. In addition, septic arthritis can be diagnosed with x-rays and testing fluid retrieved from the joint in order to determine which germ is causing the infection. When a virus is the suspected cause of septic arthritis, a blood test can be done to find out if the patient has created antibodies to the virus. If a fungus is the suspected cause of the septic arthritis, the doctor will remove a piece of the tissue and examine it for fungal infection. Other disorders such as gout, rheumatic fever, Lyme disease, and other forms of arthritis can mimic the symptoms of infectious arthritis so you may need to see a specialist in order to determine if you have septic arthritis.

What is the treatment for septic arthritis?

The treatment for septic arthritis involves draining the fluid in the joint to remove the infection, anti-inflammatory medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s), antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, surgery, rest, taking in fluids, and strength training exercises. When septic arthritis is caused by a bacterium, antibiotics can be given, when it is caused by a virus, only pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs are given. When the septic arthritis is caused by a fungus, anti-fungal drugs are given over several months and these types of infections are the most resistant to treatment and are most likely to reoccur. Sometimes surgery is a necessary treatment in order to remove the infection when other treatments do not work. As the infection clears, movement can be restored through regular strength training exercises.

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Who can get septic arthritis?

Anyone can get septic arthritis if they get infected with a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. Both men and women of any age can get septic arthritis. People who work in the soil or with wild animals are also more likely to get septic arthritis. People, who have difficulty fighting infections such as people with diabetes, AIDS, kidney disease, cancer, alcoholism, sickle cell anemia, or IV drug users, are more likely to get septic arthritis. People who have arthritis are also more likely to get septic arthritis due to the greater chance that joints weakened by arthritis can be infected with a bacterium, virus or fungus. In addition, people with arthritis often take medications which lower the immune system and make the patient more susceptible to septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is also more likely in patients that have recently had surgery to replace a joint because there is a chance that the joint can be infected with germs when opened to the air.

What causes septic arthritis?

The most common cause of septic arthritis is infection by a bacterium. The types of bacteria most likely to cause septic arthritis are pneumococcus, gonococcus, streptococcus, staphylococcus, hemophilus, spirochetes or tuberculosis. Viruses such as mumps, infectious mononucleosis and infectious hepatitis, can also be the cause of septic arthritis. Bacteria and viruses may be introduced into the body through the nose, ears, eyes, or other openings as well as through traumatic injury or tiny puncture wounds such as from a nail or staple. These germs may also enter the blood stream during routine dental procedures. The least common cause of septic arthritis is fungal infections. These infections often come from the soil, certain plants like roses, and bird droppings. Septic arthritis is not contagious but the initial infection which caused the septic arthritis can be contagious. However, not everyone who gets an infection will develop septic arthritis.

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