Antibiotic drugs and joint drainage are the popular treatment methods for septic arthritis. Initially patients are administered a high dose of antibiotics intravenously. The kind of antibiotic that is used depends on the microorganism causing the infection.

The results of the blood and joint fluid culture will tell the doctor about the causative organism so that he can decide on an antibiotic which is effective against the pathogen. Once the infection has reduced, the patient may be able to switch over to oral antibiotics. Draining away the synovial fluid in the joints also held reduces infection. It eases pain and pressure in the joint too. Usually, the synovial fluid is removed through arthroscopic surgery. Tiny cameras and surgical tools are inserted through small incisions around the joint and the fluid is drained away. Sometimes, fluid is simply aspirated from the joint area using a large needle. The bacterial population in this fluid is determined and aspiration is repeatedly performed till the point when no bacterium is found in the synovial fluid.

Deep joints like hip joints are difficult to access and a small surgery may be required to remove the synovial fluid. Physiotherapy and exercise is recommended once the pain and inflammation is reduced.