Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Infective arthritis
SEPTIC ARTHRITIS
Inflammation of a joint caused by a bacterial infection
About
Infective arthritis is a type of arthritis caused by an infection in your joint. It usually affects your hips, knees, ankles or wrists. More than one joint can be affected at the same time. You can usually make a full recovery following treatment. Without treatment, septic arthritis may lead to irreversible damage to your joint.
Need to know
Symptoms may include:
- intense swelling and pain
- redness and heat in the affected joint
- difficulty moving the affected joint
- a high temperature (fever) or feeling cold accompanied by shivering (chills)
Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination of your affected joint. They may take a sample of joint fluid using a needle. This is to determine what bacteria are causing your infection. It will help your consultant to plan your treatment. It's also possible you'll have an X-ray, CT or MRI scan to assess the damage to the affected joint.
Treatment options include:
- Over-the-counter painkillers and rest.
- Intravenous antibiotics; you will normally be required to stay in hospital for two weeks to have the antibiotics given to you directly into a vein.
- An arthroscopy, when fluid is drained from your infected joint using a needle and syringe.
Patient stories
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.