Septic Arthritis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Septic arthritis

is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection in one or more of your joints. The germ can travel to the joint from another part of your body. A puncture wound near the joint can bring the germ directly into the joint. Septic arthritis usually affects large joints, such as in the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, and elbow. Septic arthritis needs immediate medical care to prevent permanent joint damage.

Common signs and symptoms of septic arthritis:

• Fever and chills
• Painful, red, swollen, stiff, or warm joint
• Trouble moving the infected joint
• Fatigue or unusual tiredness
• Cysts (fluid-filled pockets) in the joint
• Irritability, or crying when the joint is moved (children younger than 3 years)

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your heartbeat or breathing is fast, or you have trouble breathing.
• You have a fever and are confused.

Seek care immediately if:

• You are urinating little or not at all.
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have sudden, severe joint pain.

Call your doctor or rheumatologist if:

• Your symptoms return.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment

may include any of the following:

• Aspiration is a procedure used to drain fluid from your joint. Your healthcare provider may use a needle to drain the fluid.
• Antibiotics prevent or fight an infection caused by bacteria.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
• Arthroscopy is a procedure used to remove infected lining from a joint.
• Surgery may be needed to drain the fluid if other methods are not successful.

Self-care:

• Rest your painful joint as directed. You may need to keep the joint still when it is painful to prevent more damage.
• Elevate the joint to reduce swelling and pain. Keep the joint above the level of your heart as often as possible.
• Apply ice to the joint to reduce swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use a cold compress, or put crushed ice in a bag. Cover it with a towel and apply it to your joint for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Exercise as directed. Exercise may help keep your joints flexible and reduce pain. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise to get each day and which exercises are best for you.

Follow up with your doctor or rheumatologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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