An infection caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungus inside the knee can cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee. Although uncommon, septic arthritis is a serious condition that usually gets worse quickly without treatment.
Causes
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
- Parvovirus B19
- HIV (AIDS virus)
- HTLV-1
- Adenovirus
- Coxsackie viruses
- Mumps
- Alphaviruses
- Flaviviruses
Symptoms
- Chills
- Fatigue and generalized weakness
- Fever
- Inability to move the limb with the infected joint
- Severe pain in the affected joint, especially with movement
- Swelling (increased fluid within the joint)
- Warmth (the joint is red and warm to touch because of increased blood flow)
Treatment
Treatment c
Combination of antibiotics Empiric antibiotics are given first to cover a wide range of infections. When bacteria is detected, specific antibiotics are used.
Drainage of the infected fluid Draining of the infected synovial fluid from the joint with a needle and syringe. Your doctor can remove the infected fluid by using arthroscopy. If drainage cannot be accomplished with joint aspiration, open joint surgery is required.