Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis, or as it is commonly referred to as infectious arthritis, is a very serious matter and should be treated quickly.  Most patients who get septic arthritis often complain of fever, aches, chills and inflammation or swelling in several joints.  In some of the more extreme cases, the patient can lose function of these joints in which the doctor may recommend hospitalization.

Septic arthritis should not be taken lightly as it has the tendency to damage bone and cartilage as well as creating septic shock.  Septic shock can be fatal.  It poses the biggest threat to young children and the elderly as their immune systems can be compromised due to their age. 

The septic arthritis happens when bacteria gets into the joints through the bloodstream.  In children, septic arthritis can occur with the following bacterium: Bacilli, Hemophilius, and Staphylococci.  All three bacteria possess life-threatening consequences should they overtake the joints and spread to the organs.  Senior citizens often are more prone to septic arthritis through Staphylococci, Gonococci, and Streptococci.  HIV and drug users who inject themselves with needles are often at risk for septic arthritis as the syringe, should it be unclean, can carry these foreign particles into the bloodstream.

Should you have septic arthritis, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of powerful antibiotics to kill the bacteria quickly.  The first dosage may have to be completed through an injection intravenously to have the quickest effect possible.  The remaining prescription can be taken orally in liquid or pill form.  Although septic arthritis is dangerous, in most cases it is completely treatable and the patient will recover with minimum effects.  However, some patients may develop osteo arthritis or deformed joints.