Infectious Arthritis
When the tissues and fluid of a joint become infected it creates a condition of Infectious Arthritis. Most commonly the joint becomes infected from the circulatory system, but if the joint is exposed such as in surgery it can be infected by a direct cause. Certain viruses such as HIV and those that cause mumps or Hepatitis B may infect joints of people of any age. A chronic joint infection is usually from tuberculosis or a fungal infection.
Joints that become infected could be destroyed in only a few days so antibiotic treatment must be started promptly. If a joint infection is suspected, diagnostic tests are started immediately. Ordinarily a sample of fluid is taken from the joint for a laboratory examination. Also the doctor will have blood tests checked because bacteria from the infection will usually appear in the blood stream. Because of the dangerous affects of the infection happening so quickly, antibiotics are given even before receiving results of the laboratory examinations. Antibiotics to begin treatment should be given intravenously at first to make sure enough of the antibiotics get in the system. Later, antibiotics can be taken orally. Pus can be drained out by the doctor with a needle or if necessary with other equipment that is appropriate. Fungus and tuberculosis require different medication but viruses will heal without treatment, but drugs may be necessary for virus infections that need pain relief.
