Bacterial arthritis – causes, symptoms, treatment

Bacterial arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is a rare but serious condition that can affect people of all ages. In this article, we will discuss what this disease is, what bacteria are responsible for causing it, what the symptoms are, and how the disease is diagnosed and treated. Also find out what our suggestions and recommended articles are on this topic.

Bacterial arthritis – what is it and who can it affect?

Bacterial arthritis is an infectious disease in which the joints are infected by bacteria. The disease can occur in people of any age, but most often affects children and the elderly. The joints most frequently attacked by bacteria are the knee, hip and shoulder joints. The disease may be the result of bacteria from other infections in the body, or it may occur as a result of a joint injury that makes it easier for bacteria to enter the joint.

What bacteria cause arthritis?

Bacterial arthritis can be caused by different types of bacteria. Most often, these are bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Escherichia coli. These bacteria can enter the joints through the bloodstream or directly, for example as a result of an injury or medical procedure. Which bacteria are responsible for the infection may influence the course of the disease and the method of treatment.

Symptoms of bacterial arthritis

Symptoms of bacterial arthritis can vary and often worsen gradually. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain that can be very intense.
• Swelling of the joints and redness of the skin around the joint.
• Difficulty moving and limited range of motion in the joint.
• Fever, chills and generally feeling unwell.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should consult a doctor immediately, as delay in treatment may lead to serious complications.

Bacterial arthritis diagnosis

Diagnosing bacterial arthritis requires cooperation with a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or orthopedist. The doctor will conduct a thorough medical interview, assess clinical symptoms and order appropriate tests, such as examining synovial fluid, which may confirm the presence of bacteria in the joint. Additionally, imaging tests such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be performed to assess the extent of joint damage.

What is the treatment for bacterial arthritis?

Treatment of bacterial arthritis is complicated and requires the use of antibiotics, which must be selected appropriately to the type of bacteria causing the infection. Your doctor will determine the type of antibiotic, dosage and duration of treatment. Additionally, it may be necessary to drain the joint of any accumulated pus, which can be done by puncturing the joint. In some cases, surgical intervention may also be necessary, especially if the infection has caused significant damage to the joint.

Your suggestions

If you suspect that you or a loved one has bacterial arthritis, do not delay visiting a doctor. Quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to improving health and preventing complications. It is also worth taking care of hygiene and avoiding situations that may increase the risk of joint infection, such as injuries or skin infections.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about bacterial arthritis, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Preventing infectious arthritis – what is worth knowing”
• “The role of antibiotics in the treatment of infectious arthritis”
• “Rehabilitation after treatment of bacterial arthritis – how to get back to fitness”

We hope that these articles will provide you with additional knowledge on this topic and help you understand what your options are for treating and preventing bacterial arthritis.

It is worth remembering that treatment of this disease is possible, and appropriate medical care can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life.