Septic arthritis, sometimes also called infectious arthritis, is a joint infection of bacterial or viral origin; the pathogens spread into the joints or surrounding fluids causing the disorder. In most cases, the infection begins in other parts of the body and through the bloodstream reaches the joints; typically, it only affects the larger ones, such as the knees, hips, or shoulders. You can diagnose the disorder by recognizing the symptoms and through a professional evaluation.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Determine Physical and Behavioral Symptoms
Step 1. Recognize the risk factors
The disease can affect people of any age; however, some may be more susceptible than others. Children, the elderly and users of illegal drugs are more likely to suffer from septic arthritis. Other risk factors to consider are:
- Previous joint problems, such as gout or lupus
- Taking rheumatoid arthritis medications
- Having fragile skin that breaks easily
- Having a weak immune system
- Having suffered joint trauma, such as animal bites or puncture wounds
- Having recently undergone surgery;
- Take immunosuppressants.
Step 2. Check for swelling
Septic arthritis usually develops rapidly; symptoms usually occur in one joint, although in rare cases it can affect two or more areas of the body. One of the most common major symptoms is swelling around the affected joint, caused by the infected fluid found in the surrounding area; if you complain of edema in a single joint, you can more easily diagnose this disease.
Pay attention to the heat and redness that accompany swelling; these signs too can indicate septic arthritis
Step 3. Look for pain and inability to move the joint
In addition to the swelling caused by the infection, you may notice mild or severe pain that can prevent the joint from moving completely. these symptoms can also suggest septic arthritis and require immediate treatment.
- Know that the pain can get worse when you move the affected area.
- Do not force the sore joint, septic arthritis can make it impossible to move.
- If the patient is a child or infant, pay attention to whether he cries or sobs when he moves the joint; this means that he is in pain and could indicate the presence of the disease.
Step 4. Check your body temperature
All infections are often accompanied by fever, and this symptom indicates that something unusual is happening in the body. If by measuring your temperature you find the presence of fever, know that it could be the consequence of this disorder.
- Common symptoms accompanying a fever are chills, body aches, sweating and headaches, which can also be present when the fever is caused by septic arthritis.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the fever exceeds 39.4 ° C; if the patient is a small child, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as you notice a temperature even slightly higher than usual, as this could be a sign of a serious infection.
Step 5. Pay attention to the feeling of exhaustion and weakness
These are two other symptoms that can accompany fever and septic arthritis; if you have them at the same time as other typical symptoms of the disease, you may be suffering from them.
- The characteristic signs of weakness and exhaustion are: delayed or slow movements, muscle cramps and fasciculations, uncontrollable tremors; the feeling of profound tiredness is the most common symptom of exhaustion.
- Keep in mind that these ailments can cause loss of appetite, another sign that may indicate infection.
Step 6. Watch for irritability
Most of the symptoms of this disorder are physical in nature; however, other emotional or behavioral problems may also occur, especially in infants and young children. Pay attention if you or another person are particularly irritable, as this could be an additional indication of septic arthritis, especially if in conjunction with other signs.
Watch for the whims of the baby or toddler that may accompany any irritability
Part 2 of 2: Getting a Professional Diagnosis
Step 1. Make a doctor's appointment
Only a health professional can safely diagnose the disease. If you suddenly develop severe pain in a joint or have other symptoms of septic arthritis, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. timely diagnosis can minimize potential harm, including degeneration.
- Make the first available appointment and inform the medical team of any symptoms you have.
- If you can't get an appointment with your family doctor, go to the emergency room; at this facility, healthcare professionals are able to diagnose septic arthritis.
Step 2. Get examined
During your appointment or exam, let your doctor know that you suspect you have this infection; explain your symptoms, as well as provide other important information, such as if you have recently had surgery or a puncture wound. Doctors evaluate this data while examining the joint for signs of infection.
Answer any questions he asks you truthfully. Remember that your doctor is trying to make an appropriate diagnosis and define the best treatment to reduce the risk of more serious complications. If you are using illegal drugs, you must tell them, as this is important information in defining the condition you suffer from
Step 3. Get a blood and joint fluid test
Depending on what he finds, the doctor can prescribe tests that allow you to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis. You may decide to undergo the following exams:
- Arthrocentesis: This involves inserting a small needle into the joint to take a sample of synovial fluid. From this test it is possible to detect the presence of bacteria and define the white blood cell count; your doctor can also evaluate which medications to recommend for treatment. Synovial fluid containing more than 50,000 white blood cells with a predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) indicates the presence of the disease and treatment is required. In addition to the white blood cell count, your doctor may also have you do a Gram stain, a laboratory test of the synovial fluid, as well as a culture of the same, which help define appropriate therapy.
- Blood culture: This involves drawing some blood with a small needle. From this test, signs of infection in the blood can be detected, and the doctor can better assess the severity of the situation.
Step 4. Undergo imaging tests
In addition to blood and synovial fluid tests, your doctor may also decide to undergo these additional tests, which can confirm the actual presence of the infection and determine if the joint is damaged. Among those that are performed most often to diagnose septic arthritis are:
- X-ray;
- Magnetic resonance;
- Computed tomography;
- Bone scan;
- Ultrasound.
Step 5. Get the diagnosis
Based on the results of the tests and various tests, the doctor is able to formulate the diagnosis of septic arthritis, explaining the results of the various tests and describing the damage to the joint; at this point, he can discuss the different care solutions with you.
- Ask your doctor any questions and concerns you have about diagnosis and treatment.
- If you have a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, you must undergo treatment with intravenous antibiotics, such as vancomycin; this is the safest treatment given the prevalence of MRSA in hospitals and treatment centers.
