Septic 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 affected joint, and some people have a high temperature (fever).
Young children with septic arthritis will generally be irritable and may cry whenever the infected joint is moved for example, during nappy changing. They may also try to avoid using or putting any weight on affected joints.
If you suspect septic arthritis, see your GP or visit your local accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
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
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
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
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
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products