Understanding Septic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Arthritis, injuries, and infections are just a few of the reasons that might make your joints hurt. However, if you suddenly experience pain, swelling, and a fever, it could be a sign of septic arthritis, a very serious condition. This is a medical emergency that needs to be taken care of right away to avoid lasting damage to the joints and other serious issues.

In this post, we'll speak about what septic arthritis is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, how to tell if you have it, and the best therapies that are available right now.

What is septic arthritis?

Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It aches and makes the joint bigger. The infection causes the tissues around the joint to expand, and pus accumulates in the area between the joints. This can quickly damage cartilage and bone if not treated right away.

Septic arthritis can occur in any joint; however, it most commonly affects the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle. It is vital to discover and treat the illness as soon as possible, as it typically begins unexpectedly and progresses rapidly.

What are the causes of septic arthritis?

In most cases, the infection occurs when germs get into the joint in one of these ways:

• Through the bloodstream (hematogenous spread): This is the most common method. An infection can travel through the bloodstream from the skin, urinary system, lungs, teeth, or other parts of the body to the joint.
• When bacteria enter a joint through surgery, an injection, or a piercing lesion, this is referred to as direct contamination.
• Infection in the area: An infection in the tissue nearby, such as an abscess on the skin or an infection in the bone (osteomyelitis), can sometimes spread to the joint adjacent to it

Common Causes and Things That Make You More Likely to Get Them

The most prevalent cause of septic arthritis is the staph bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria also increase the risk of infection, and those that prevent them from doing so are at an even higher risk.

If you have these things, you are more prone to acquiring septic arthritis:

• Joint disease that is already there: People with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout are more likely to get sick.
• Joint surgery or injections: Sometimes, procedures such as joint replacement or corticosteroid injections can allow bacteria to enter.
• Weakened immune system: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or chronic kidney disease can all make it difficult for the body to fight off infections.
• Injecting medications with needles that aren't sterile makes it more likely that you'll get an infection.
• Recent injury: Open wounds or shattered bones near a joint may allow bacteria to enter.
• Age: Infants, young children, and older adults are especially at risk, as their immune systems may not function as well or they may already have underlying health issues.

Signs and Symptoms of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis typically begins suddenly, and symptoms may worsen within a few hours. Depending on which joint is hurt, the signs may be various; however, some common ones are:

• A lot of pain in your joints that gets worse when you move
• Swelling and redness around the joint
• The hurt place is warm.
• Chills and fever due to an infection in the body
• Feeling tired and weak
• Not being able to move the joint freely or not wanting to put weight on it
• Pain and stiffness in the joints
• Signs can be harder to see in newborns and young kids. They may cry when the limb is moved, refuse to walk, or keep the joint immobile to avoid pain.
• Seek medical care immediately if you notice any of these indicators, especially if the person is already ill or has recently undergone surgery.

How to identify if you have septic arthritis

Receiving a prompt diagnosis is crucial to preventing harm to the joints. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors use a combination of imaging tests, laboratory tests, and clinical examinations.

1. A physical exam and medical history

The doctor will check the patient's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. A physical exam can help determine the extent of edema, discomfort, and range of motion in the afflicted joint.

2. Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

This is the most important test for figuring out if someone has septic arthritis. A sterile needle is used to get a little amount of joint fluid, which is then looked at for:

• If the fluid appears hazy or contains pus, it may indicate an infection.
• The number of white blood cells
• There are bacteria or crystals.
• Gram stain and culture to identify the bacterial pathogen responsible for the infection.

3. Tests on blood

A high white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are some of the signs of infection and inflammation that blood tests can show.

4. Tests that take photographs, such as X-rays, can detect fluid buildup or injury to joints.

Ultrasound can help locate joint effusion, which is when fluid builds up.

You can use MRI or CT scans to check deeper joints, including the hip or shoulder.

How to deal with septic arthritis

It is important to start therapy for septic arthritis as soon as possible to minimize long-term damage to the joint and the tissues around it. The goal is to eliminate the infection, alleviate the pain, and restore joint mobility.

1. Treatment with antibiotics

The most crucial portion of treatment is antibiotics.

• As soon as the doctor determines what's wrong, they administer IV antibiotics to the patient. Antibiotics are formulated to operate against a specific type of bacteria once the test results identify the type of bacterium.
• Most of the time, antibiotics work for 4 to 6 weeks. It starts with antibiotics given through an IV and then goes to pills.
• Doctors may administer the right antibiotic to a patient based on the type of bacteria and the patient's health.
• Most patients begin to feel better a few days after starting antibiotics, but it can take several weeks for them to feel completely recovered.

2. Draining the joint

• Removing the infected fluid from the joint is crucial for reducing pressure and the number of germs. You can do this by:
• Needle aspiration: Using a clean needle to suck out the area over and over again.
• Arthroscopic drainage is a type of surgery that utilizes a small camera and specialized equipment to clean out the joint without making extensive incisions.
• For severe infections, such as those in the hip, or for cases where comprehensive cleaning is required for an extended period, open surgery is necessary.

3. Taking care of pain and letting the joints rest

• Usually, the joint that hurts is temporarily immobilized to alleviate the pain.
• Mild physiotherapy can help you regain your range of motion and prevent muscle stiffness once the illness is under control.
• Doctors may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate your symptoms.

4. Taking care of the problems that are causing the issue

Taking care of diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or immunological deficits is highly important to keep them from coming back or growing worse.

Things that could go wrong

If septic arthritis isn't treated or managed right away, it could lead to serious complications that can't be fixed, like:

• Permanent joint damage and deformity caused by the loss of cartilage
• Arthritis that doesn't go away or infections that keep coming back
• Osteomyelitis, or inflammation of the bone
• Sepsis is a disease in the blood that can kill you.
• Less ability to move or joints that are stiff
• These risks underscore the importance of seeking a diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.

How to Stay Away from Septic Arthritis

• Not all cases can be avoided, but there are things you can do to lower the risk:
• Take care of your wounds soon and keep your body clean.
• Treat bacterial infections (such as those on the skin, throat, or in the urine) early to prevent them from spreading.
• When you give shots or undertake surgery, be sure you use clean methods.
• Manage long-term illnesses, such as diabetes and arthritis, with the guidance of a doctor.
• Don't use dirty tools or share needles.
• If you have a fever, swelling, or joint pain for no apparent reason, see a doctor as soon as possible.

When to See a Doctor

Suppose you suddenly get joint pain, redness, swelling, or a fever, especially after surgery, an injury, or an infection anywhere else in your body. In that case, you should see a doctor right away. Septic arthritis can worsen quickly, but if you receive therapy promptly, it can prevent permanent damage and help the joints regain mobility.

Conclusion

Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that requires immediate treatment. A fast diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, and proper drainage usually help most patients fully recover and regain normal joint function.

At Prakash Hospital, we have a team of skilled orthopedic doctors, rheumatologists, and infectious disease specialists who collaborate to provide comprehensive care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation. If you or someone you care about has joint pain that won't go away and a fever or swelling, don't wait to get help. Getting therapy as soon as possible is the best way to maintain your joints' health and avoid long-term complications.