Having existing joint problems such as gout or lupus. Taking medication for rheumatoid arthritis. Having fragile skin that breaks easily. Having a weakened immune system. Having joint trauma such as animal bites or puncture wounds. Having recent surgery. [3] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Taking immunosuppressants.
Pay attention to any warmth and redness that accompanies the swelling. This can also indicate septic arthritis.
Recognize that your pain may get worse when you move the affected joint. Avoid forcing a painful joint to move. Septic arthritis may also lead to an inability to move the joint. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Listen for crying or whimpering in infants and small children when the joint is moved. This is a sign of pain and may indicate that the child is suffering from septic arthritis.
Recognize that chills, muscle aches, sweating, and headache are common symptoms of a fever. [11] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source These may also accompany a fever with septic arthritis. Seek immediate medical attention if your fever is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39. 4 degrees Celsius). In a small child, contact your doctor as soon as you realize they have even a slightly elevated temperature. This can indicate a serious infection.
Recognize typical symptoms of weakness and fatigue, which include: delayed or slow movement, muscle cramps, muscle twitching, and uncontrollable shaking. Feeling run down is the most common symptom of fatigue. Be aware that your fatigue and weakness may lead to a decreased appetite, which can also signal septic arthritis.
Look for fussiness in children and infants. This can accompany any irritability they have. [13] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Schedule the first available appointment by letting the doctor’s staff know that you have the symptoms of septic arthritis. Seek emergency medical attention if your doctor is unable to see you. Emergency rooms and emergency care centers can also diagnose septic arthritis.
Answer any questions the doctor may have honestly. Remember the doctor is trying to make a proper diagnosis and formulate the best treatment plan to minimize the risk of more serious conditions. If you are an illegal drug user, this information could be important information for a diagnosis.
Arthrocentesis, which requires inserting a small needle into the joint for a sample of the synovial fluid. This test can indicate the presence of bacteria. [16] X Expert Source Siddharth Tambar, MDBoard Certified Rheumatologist Expert Interview. 25 August 2020. It can also assess your white blood cell count. It can also help your doctor figure out what medications to prescribe as treatment. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Synovial fluid with greater than 50,000 white cells with a predominance of Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes (PMN) is significant for the disease and needs treatment. Other than the cell count, a doctor will do a gram stain of the synovial fluid as well as a culture of the fluid. This will help guide treatment. Blood culture, which requires taking blood with a small needle. [18] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source A blood culture can determine what signs of infection are in your blood. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This test can help your doctor figure out the severity of infection in your joint.
X-rays. MRI scans. CT scans. Bone scans. Ultrasound.
Ask your doctor any questions you may have about the diagnosis or treatment. If you have a MRSA infection you will need to treated with IV antibiotics such as vancomycin. This is the safest option for treatment given the prevalence of MRSA in hospitals and the community.
