Septic Arthritis: Symptoms & Signs

Septic arthritis is the infection of a joint space.

Signs and symptoms of septic arthritis include

• redness of joints,
• joint swelling,
• joint pain, and
• joint stiffness.

Other associated symptoms and signs can include

• fever,
• chills,
• fatigue,
• weakness, or
• an inability to move the affected limb.

Cause of septic arthritis

Infection with bacteria, fungi, or viruses causes septic arthritis. Risk factors for the development of septic arthritis include

• taking immune-suppression medicines,
• intravenous drug abuse,
• a history of joint disease, injury or surgery, and
• a number of underlying medical illnesses.

Medical conditions that put a person at increased risk for septic arthritis include

• alcoholism,
• diabetes,
• sickle cell disease,
• rheumatic diseases, and
• immune deficiency disorders.

Staphylococcus aureus and Hemophilus influenzae are the most common bacterial causes of septic arthritis.

Other septic arthritis symptoms and signs

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Inability to Move the Affected Limb
• Joint Pain
• Joint Stiffness
• Joint Swelling
• Redness of Joints
• Weakness

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