Recognize that you may need surgery to treat tissue damage even if the infection heals on its own. Viral etiologies of septic arthritis are rare, while bacterial infection is quite common.
Be aware that if you have a severe case of septic arthritis, you may require a long course of antibiotic treatment. Ask your doctor about any side effects your prescribed antibiotic may have. Side effects include: nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Diarrhea could be a sign of C. Difficile Colitis (C. Diff. ), an infection of the colon caused by antibiotic use. Take the entire course of your prescribed antibiotic, even if you are feeling better. This can minimize the risk of the infection getting worse or coming back.
Needle aspiration, or arthrocentesis, is a bedside procedure in which your doctor drains/taps the infected fluid by inserting a needle into the joint space. Arthroscopy, in which your doctor inserts a flexible tube with a video camera into your joint through a small incision. The doctor then inserts suction and drainage tubes to remove the fluid. Your doctor may leave the tubes in your joint for a few days to get rid of all of the fluid. Open surgery, which a doctor usually performs for severe infections or those in large joints such as the hip. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Surgery can wash out the infected joint and may also remove any damaged sections. This treatment is common in patients with infection from an artificial joint replacement.
Talk to your doctor about physical therapy to ease your septic arthritis. Your doctor can let you know if it’s appropriate for your case and may suggest a specific therapist for you. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Select an NSAID such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and celecoxib (Celebrex). Follow the dosing instructions your doctor provides. If your doctor doesn’t suggest guidelines for taking the medication, follow the instructions on the product label.
R= REST I= ICE C= Compression E= Elevation
Use a wedge, pillows or other props to raise the affected joint above your heart.
Leave on splinting until your doctor instructs you to remove it. Splints can protect the joint and remind you to not hit it on anything.
Use ice or a cool washcloth as a compress. Apply your cool compress for 20 minutes at a time as often as you need it. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas or corn in cloth to protect your skin from getting numb. If this happens, remove the pack.
Ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to exercise, even if it is light. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy instead of exercise in some cases. Choose a low impact type of exercise such as walking or swimming. Things such as bicycling may be too much, especially if your septic arthritis is in the knee or hip. Always follow the instructions of your doctor and physical therapist and do not push yourself too hard without asking and getting their approval first. Know your limits!
