Septic arthritis is a painful infection in the joint that can follow infections that enter other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Also, this condition may occur following trauma or animal bites and germs entering the joint directly. Elderly people as well as babies are more susceptible to this disease than any other person. People who use artificial joints are at risk of developing septic arthritis. Knees are more affected by this disease; But there is a possibility of its formation in other parts such as the pelvis, shoulders and other joints. Rapid treatment of this disease is very important; Because the infection can quickly reach the cartilage and bones inside the joint and these parts are also involved in the infection. Read more: Motilan Arthritis Is it possible for septic arthritis to spread to other parts of the body? If the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, this condition is known as sepsis and can be a life threatening condition. Most of the time this type of arthritis involves only one joint, in rare cases it may have several septic joints. Staphylococcal infections are one of the most common causes of septicemia, and most of the time a joint is involved. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of this complication can be mentioned as follows: - Feeling pain and sensitivity in the affected joint - Swelling and heat in the affected joint - Inability to move the affected joint - Limited range of motion - Fever If septic arthritis has occurred in an artificial joint, symptoms such as swelling and pain may occur months or years after the joint replacement. In these cases, the patient does not feel pain while resting, in severe cases, the joint may be dislocated. When to see a doctor If you have severe joint pain that comes on suddenly, you need to see a pain specialist. The sooner you start treatment, the less damage to the joint will help. If you have an artificial joint and you have pain during activity, you should see a doctor. What is the cause of septic arthritis? This complication occurs after an infection, which may be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, mycobacteria or other pathogens. In most cases, the infection starts outside the body or from the body and then spreads to your joint through the blood. In general, such organisms can cause septic: ### Staphylococcus aureus This bacterium is one of the most common causes of joint infection in adults and children ### group A and B streptococci These things are also a kind of bacteria. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cirrhosis, as well as the elderly are more at risk of septic arthritis caused by this bacterium. ### Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin It is a type of staph infection that is resistant to some antibiotics. Patients who take HIV or diabetes medications are at risk of developing septicemia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. ### Neisseria gonorrhoea This bacteria leads to gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. People who have gonorrhea may develop gonococcal arthritis, which is a type of septic arthritis. ### Neisseria Meningitis This bacteria causes meningitis, a condition that involves inflammation or swelling of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Which people are most at risk? any person may get this condition; But some conditions put you more at risk: - Weak immune system - rheumatoid arthritis - History of joint surgery - People with a history of knee or hip joint replacement - Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection How it is diagnosed The following tests usually help to diagnose this disease: ### Examination of joint fluid Infection changes the consistency, volume, color and composition of the fluid inside the joint. Sampling is done using a needle and will be sent to the laboratory for examination. ### Blood tests With a blood test, you can find out whether there is an infection in the blood or not. Related content: joint laxity or hypermobility disorder ### imaging tests X-rays and other imaging tests of the affected joint can show the condition of the joint. What is the treatment for septic arthritis? If the doctor diagnoses this complication in you, he will suggest such treatment solutions: - Usually, the patient must be admitted to the hospital for the antibiotics that are injected to control the infection, as well as to drain the fluid from the affected joint if needed. - Probably, the patient will be advised to take the prescribed antibiotic pills for several weeks even after being discharged from the hospital. - The period of time that patients usually need to be hospitalized is about two weeks. Patients usually report that they feel better after receiving antibiotics.