ARTHRITIS infectious (arthritis)

Disease information

ARTHRITIS infectious (arthritis)

Infectious arthritis (Septic Arthritis)

Inflammation of a joint caused by an infection.

It can affect any joint, especially the larger ones, like the hip, or exposed to trauma in the knee or in your hands.

Complications.

Diagnostic error as gout or other non - infectious disease, delaying treatment with antibiotics.

Septicemia (transition from infection to the blood)

Permanent damage to the joint.

Forecast.

Usually cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

The recovery takes weeks or months.

A delay in treatment can cause severe damage in the joint and loss of motion, which requires the replacement of the joint.

Causes.

Invasion of the joint with germs, usually bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, Gonococcus, bacilli hemophiliacs or tubers) or fungi.

The germs are introduced:

Through the blood, such as gonorrhea and tuberculosis.

At closeness infections from near the articulation as furúnculos, cellulitis or infection in a bone.

By direct inoculation, through the articulation of injuries including wounds and perforated skin abrasions.

Signs and symptoms.

Chills and fever (often high)

Redness, swelling, tenderness and pain (often pulsed) in the affected joint.

The pain may spread to other joints.

Sharpens with the movements.

Pain in the buttocks, thighs or English (sometimes)

Risk Factors.

Adults over 60 years.

Disease that reduces resistance.

Sexually transmitted infections.

Diabetes mellitus.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Use of immunosuppressive drugs.

Surgery in any joint.

Injections in the joints.

Excessive consumption of alcohol.

Many sexual partners.

Use of mind - altering drugs, especially those injected.

Lack of hygiene.

Prevention.

Protect the joints susceptible, as the knee during activities that involve risk of injury.

Look quickly treatment for any infection.

The use of aspirin and other non - steroidal drugs intiinflamatorias for other ailments could camouflage the signs of joint inflammation and delay the diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment.

Diagnosis.

History and physical examination by a doctor.

Analysis of blood, blood culture and cultivation of the liquid extracted from the joint infected.

X - rays of affected joints.

Treatment.

General measures.

The cornerstones of treatment are:

Hospitalization (frequently) for total rest and administration of antibiotics intravenously.

Surgery to drain fluid or removing the element that caused the infection.

Physical therapy after recovery to regain full use of the joint is infected.

Medication.

Your doctor may prescribe:

Antibiotics (often intravenous)

Do not stop the antibiotics without consulting your doctor.

The infection can be re - submitted after their symptoms disappeared.

Codeine or narcotics for short periods to relieve pain.

Activity.

Sometimes plasters or splints are necessary to immobilize the affected joint.

The movement slows healing.

Then, physical therapy may be needed to restore the functions of the joint.

Go back to your normal activities gradually improving as the symptoms.

Diet.

None required special.

Call the doctor if.

The following occurs during the illness:

The temperature rises to 39. 4 º.

Fatigue, headache, muscle aches and sweats.

New unexplained symptoms. The drugs used in treatment can cause side effects.

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