Septic arthritis

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors Complications

Preparing for your appointment Tests and diagnosis Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. Bacteria, or less commonly fungi, can spread from other infected areas in your body to a joint. Sometimes bacteria infect only the joint, leaving other areas of your body unharmed.

In septic arthritis, germs infiltrate your joint — usually just one — and damage it, causing severe pain. Bacteria most commonly target your knee, though other joints can be affected by septic arthritis, including your ankle, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder.

Young children and older adults are most likely to develop septic arthritis. To treat septic arthritis and limit joint damage, your doctor will give you antibiotic drugs and drain the infected fluid from your joint.

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Symptoms