Help with the Pain of Septic Arthritis

• Septic arthritis is an infection of the joint tissues and the joint fluid; it is also known as infectious arthritis or phylogenic arthritis. The inflammation of the joint develops when bacteria find their way to a joint through the bloodstream; in certain cases, infection may occur directly in the joint due to surgical procedures. Septic arthritis symptoms occur abruptly and include swelling, pain, redness, and fever.

• Septic arthritis can be diagnosed by conducting laboratory testing including blood culture and X-ray examination, and carefully observing the joint area. This infection is potentially harmful; if it remains untreated for a long period of time, there is a high probability that permanent joint damage may occur. Septic arthritis can affect any age group including adults as well as infants and children. Weight-bearing joints such as the knee are more susceptible to this kind of infection in adults. However, in children, joints like hips, shoulders and knees are more commonly affected by this infection.

Causes

• The most widely occurring cause of septic arthritis is the penetration of bacteria to a joint through the bloodstream. The most common bacteria that cause this infection are gonococci, staphylococci, and streptococci.

Risk Factors

There are certain risk factors which increase the likelihood of septic arthritis:

• Weak immune system • Rheumatoid arthritis • Diabetes • Cancer • Sickle cell disease • Anemia • Skin infections, and a few others.

Treatment

• The treatment for septic arthritis aims to cure the infection using antibiotics. During the initial treatment, antibiotics are inserted through an IV; later, they are prescribed orally. In certain circumstances, surgical drainage is used if the fluid in the joint accumulates and causes repeated infections. Doctors suggest that rest, elevation of the joint and exercise will ensure speedy recovery. Gentle exercise and the use of warm compresses help ease the pain; movement also helps with the blood flow and quickens the healing process.

Complications

• Even after being treated, septic arthritis may continue to affect the joint. This complication can occur in any one and can result in serious joint damage that may need a joint replacement surgery.

Help

• High-risk people can take prophylactic antibiotics that prevent septic arthritis from occurring. If any of the above mentioned symptoms are noted, a doctor should be notified immediately so that immediate treatment can be provided which will prevent further damage from occurring. Other alternative is to reduce the indulgence in activities that increase the risk of septic arthritis; for instance, reduction in drug use.

• Proper diet can also help to manage arthritis and the pain arising from it. Omega-3 fats help to reduce inflammation and thus, control the stiffness and pain associated with it. Green tea is a form of medication that can help fight inflammation; the antioxidants present in green tea resist inflammation and can prevent arthritis from developing in certain cases.

Pain Control

• Several methods are available to lessen pain and provide relief. These include:

• Pain medications like pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can prove helpful in reducing pain and providing comfort • Exercise helps to ensure joint movement and also works to reduce the intensity of pain. However, a doctor should be consulted before exercising as certain types of arthritis don't allow exercise. • Hydrotherapy reduces stiff joints and the pain associated with it; water helps to take off the weight from the joints • Often, rest seems to be the answer to pain. Taking sufficient breaks from constant activity reduces pain but too much rest may lead to weakness. • Massage is the universally accepted recipe that provides pain relief and lessens swelling. • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a technique that uses electrical stimulation stop the nerves from passing pain signals to the brain. • An extreme measure to deal with chronic pain is surgery. This helps to completely eradicate pain from a certain joint; but this should be used as the final alternative if all other techniques fail. • Septic arthritis can be a source of pain and discomfort; it is essential to identify the cause of pain in joints and treat it immediately to prevent any long-term damage to the joints. Several medications are available to deal with pain but the best solution is to eliminate the root cause which is bacteria and this can be achieved using antibiotics.

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