Septic arthritis is one of those primary forms of Arthritis where there is an infection caused in the joints of the bones. The main causes of Septic arthritis are said to be Bacteria or fungi, even though the latter is less common out of the two. The disease spreads to different parts of the body from the point of origin. However, there are cases where the bacteria infect one joint but leave the other parts of the body unaffected. In this case of arthritis, the joints are infiltrated by the germs and it is damaged.
This results in severe pain in the affected area. The main target area of the body is the knee, which the Bacteria infect. Septic arthritis not only affects the knees but also includes the ankle, wrist, hip, shoulder and elbow. Septic arthritis normally attacks one joint even though in many cases it can affect more than one joint. Septic arthritis affects kids and the aged adults who belong to the high risk category. It is very common in the people of older age groups. It is treated with antibiotics. On many occasions surgery may also be required.
There are several signs and symptoms of Septic arthritis. One of the most important things to note about Septic arthritis is that when one acquires this disease there can be fever, frequent shivers, pain in the infected joints accompanied by swelling. There is also a warm sensation in the affected area. The persons who are already following the medication for other kinds of arthritis may not suffer from the symptoms of septic arthritis where in these symptoms are masked by the use of the medications.
The leg joints and the joints of arms are the most commonly affected areas of septic arthritis. Also the joints in the neck, back and head can be affected. Septic arthritis starts off as an infection in some parts of the body which spreads to the other organs. The disease initially begins as an infection in the upper respiratory tract or in the urinary tract before spreading to the other parts of the body. There are many other causes which can lead to Septic arthritis. This includes punctured wounds, drug injections and surgery, during which bacteria can enter the body through an open area. After entering the body, the bacteria circulates in the bloodstream but may not as well spread infection as well but only the affected area.
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Synovium is the lining of the joints which cannot protect it from the infection very well. Once the synovium is reached by the bacteria the cartilage id damaged. To this infection when the body reacts it results in inflammation around the area of the joint. As a result there is an increase in the pressure in the joint area and this leads to the reduction of the blood flow in the joint, destroying the joint. Several strains of bacteria can be responsible for causing septic arthritis. However, the most common type of bacteria is the Staphylococcus aureus which is mainly found on the nose or on the skin.
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