Septic arthritis is caused by microbial infection in the joints. The symptoms of this condition are pain, redness and inflammation of the joints, swelling, fever, chills and a warm feeling in the affected joint area. The pain associated with this condition develops quickly making joint movement very painful.

However, in some cases like infection of an artificial joint, the pain may not be very pronounced at first but it gradually gets worse. Swelling, heat and redness of the infected joint is a result of the body’s immune system fighting against the infection. It happens because the immune system tries to protect the synovial lining in the joint. Patients who already have any other form of arthritis and are taking medications for the same may not notice the symptoms initially.

This is because the medications can mask the symptoms of septic arthritis for a while. People who have had recent joint surgery, those with low immunity, those who have used intravenous drugs, people with diabetes, gout, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal infection etc are more at risk of infection. Such high risk groups should be more aware of the symptoms of septic arthritis and should get in touch with their doctor at the earliest indication of this condition.