Infectious arthritis

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Infectious arthritis

Infectious arthritis (also called septic arthritis) is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection inside a joint. The infection may result from illness or may spread from an infection in a wound near a joint.

The large joints (such as the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows) are most often affected. Infectious arthritis usually affects one joint, but it can affect many joints. Symptoms may include:

Severe pain with the slightest joint motion or pressure on the joint.
Fever and chills.
General weakness and headache.
Painful, red, swollen, and stiff joint(s).
Red streaks near the joint.
Swollen lymph nodes.

Immediate treatment with antibiotics and, possibly, surgical drainage of the affected joint can prevent the spread of the infection, destruction of the joint, and even death.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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