Septic Arthritis
Among the different arthritis, one that poses a maximum threat to younger children and elders due to their lower immunity power is Septic arthritis. This disease is capable of damaging the bone cartilage and creates septic shock which may prove fatal. So you should not take this one lightly.
Also called as bacterial or infectious arthritis, this one is not as the other types of arthritis. It can damage the joints in much quicker time and so it needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly.
In septic arthritis the joints get inflamed due to the reproduction of bacteria. Bacteria are mostly carried by the blood from the infectious source to another body part or are started by a cut in the skin that enters the joints. Those who have artificial joints, had a painful injury and have bacteria in their blood (bacteremia) where these bacteria spread the arthritis in other parts of the body are most susceptible to it this type of arthritis.
The symptoms of septic arthritis are intense joint pain, joint swelling in the affected joint and low temperature fever. In children, Bacilli, Hemophilius, and Staphylococci cause the septic arthritis. Children less than three years are mostly susceptible to it and hip is generally the position they are affected. These bacteria can cause life risk if they take over the joints and spread to vital organs. Staphylococci, Gonococci, and Streptococci cause septic arthritis in senior citizens. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group B streptococci are responsible for the acute form of septic arthritis. The rarer form of septic arthritis, the chronic form is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Candida albicans.
The major risks of this arthritis includes chronic illness, simultaneous bacterial infection, medications or diseases that overtakes the body’s immune system, intravenous drug abuse, rheumatoid arthritis, and sickle cell disease.
The tests that are used to detect septic arthritis are diagnosis of blood, analysis of synovial fluid or culture of the fluid in joints, and X-ray of joints.
What are the procedures to treat septic arthritis? The doctors start the antibiotic treatment on the basis of the organism that caused it. This may not be the actual treatment and is based on the clinical judgment. The proper antibiotic will be used after the diagnosis of the synovial fluid. The choices will also vary on how effective it will be against the bacteria and getting into the affected joint space.
Regular aspiration, i.e., using a needle and suction, may be needed in case the synovial fluids accumulate quickly due to the infection to remove the liquid. This relieves the pressure. Surgery maybe needed in severe cases to drain the fluid.
To set off treatment with pain relief measures rest, elevation, warm compression and immobilization works good. Performing correct exercises can develop the recovery process.
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