Septic arthritis is also called infectious arthritis. It refers to inflammation and pain in the joints, caused due to microbial infection. This condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or mycobacterium.

It is characterized by fever, pain, redness and swelling. Septic arthritis can cause permanent damage to joints and needs to be treated as soon as possible. This condition usually affects joints in the hips, knees, elbows, wrist, shoulder etc. Mostly, only one joint is affected, but sometimes both joints may get inflamed. Usually, this condition is seen in very old or very young people, those who have had recent trauma to joints, AIDS patients, drug abusers, those who have had prosthetic joints implanted or recent joint surgery and so on.

The most common microorganisms responsible for septic arthritis are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans, group B streptococci, Neisseria gonorrhoeae etc. Lab tests will be able to identify the causative organism of the disease. Once the cause is identified, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics and drain away infected fluid from the joints. This will help relive the pain and swelling and counter the infection. The prognosis is quite good if the condition is treated promptly.