Septic Arthritis

Causes of septic arthritis

Source: NHS

In this topic (5)

The condition is most commonly caused by either:

staphylococcal bacteria
streptococcal bacteria

These bacteria may enter a wound and travel through your bloodstream to the affected joint, or may infect your joint directlyafter an injury or during surgery.

The following things can increase your risk of septic arthritis:

having joint surgery, such as a knee replacement or hip replacement
having a bacterial infection somewhere else in your body
having a long-term condition such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
using injected drugs
taking medication that suppresses your immune system
recently injuring a joint

Articles for Septic Arthritis

Causes of septic arthritis

The condition is most commonly caused by either: staphylococcal bacteria streptococcal bacteria These bacteria may enter a wound and travel through your bloodstream to the affected joint, or m

Diagnosing septic arthritis

If your symptoms suggest septic arthritis, your GP will refer you to your nearest A&E department immediately for an assessment. You may have a Blood tests and a sample of fluid may be removed fr

Introduction

Read about septic arthritis, which is inflammation of a joint caused by a bacterial infection. It's also known as infectious or bacterial arthritis.

Symptoms of septic arthritis

Septic arthritis typically causes severe pain, swelling, redness and heat in affected joints. These symptoms tend to develop quickly over a few hours or days. You may also have difficulty moving the

Treatingseptic arthritis

Septic arthritis is treated with antibiotics . You'll normally need to stay in hospital for at least two weeks to have antibiotics given to you directly into a vein (intravenously). You may need to r