K.N.O.W. Home Health - SEPTIC ARTHRITIS

SEPTIC ARTHRITIS

What Is Septic Arthritis?

Septic arthritis is a serious infection in a joint. It happens when bacteria or other germs get into the joint, causing pain, swelling, redness, and fever. The germs can travel through the blood or enter the joint after an injury, surgery, or injection.

This is a medical emergency and must be treated right away to prevent joint damage or the infection spreading through the body.

✅ Causes of Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis can be caused by:

Bacteria, the most common cause
Fungi or viruses, less common
A cut or wound near a joint
A surgery or injection into the joint
Infections in other parts of the body that spread through the blood
Weakened immune system or health problems like diabetes or arthritis

✅ Treatment

Septic arthritis needs quick treatment to avoid permanent joint damage. Treatments may include:

Antibiotics, usually through an IV (a needle in your vein)
Drainage of the joint fluid using a needle or surgery
Resting the joint
Pain medicine to help you feel better
Hospital stay until the infection is under control

✅ Reducing Symptoms and Healing

Start treatment right away—the sooner, the better
Finish all antibiotics, even if you feel better
Use ice packs to reduce swelling (only if approved by your doctor)
Rest the joint—don’t overuse it
Raise the joint if possible to help with swelling
Do gentle exercises only when your doctor says it’s safe
Go to follow-up appointments to make sure the infection is gone

✅ When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

Your pain or swelling gets worse
You have a fever after starting antibiotics
The area becomes redder or warmer
You feel very tired or sick
You are having trouble taking your medicine
You think the infection is coming back

✅ When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Call 911 or go to the ER if:

You have a high fever and severe joint pain
You cannot move the joint
You feel confused, dizzy, or faint
Your heart is beating fast or you are having trouble breathing
The joint becomes very red, hot, or swollen quickly

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Choose True or False for each statement below: please correct each False statement.

True or False, septic arthritis is an infection inside a joint.
True or False, it is okay to wait a few weeks before treating septic arthritis.
True or False, antibiotics are often needed to treat septic arthritis.
True or False, a cut near a joint can sometimes lead to septic arthritis.
True or False, septic arthritis is never a medical emergency.
True or False, fever and redness around a joint can be signs of septic arthritis.
True or False, septic arthritis can spread through the blood from another infection.
True or False, resting the joint helps reduce pain and swelling.
True or False, you should stop taking antibiotics once you feel better.
True or False, drainage may be needed to remove infected fluid from the joint.
True or False, ice and elevation may help reduce swelling if your doctor says it’s okay.
True or False, you should avoid follow-up appointments if you feel fine.
True or False, septic arthritis can damage the joint forever if not treated.
True or False, you should call 911 if you cannot move the infected joint.
True or False, septic arthritis only happens to people who are very old.
True or False, having diabetes or a weak immune system increases your risk.
True or False, pain medicine can be used along with antibiotics.
True or False, septic arthritis is caused by exercise and movement.
True or False, surgery is never needed for septic arthritis.
True or False, you should contact your nurse or doctor if symptoms return.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Have you noticed sudden swelling, redness, or warmth in one or more joints, and how severe is the pain?

Do you have a fever, chills, or feel generally unwell along with your joint symptoms?

Have you recently had any injuries, surgeries, or infections that could have affected your joints?

Are you experiencing difficulty moving the affected joint, and how is this impacting your daily activities such as walking, dressing, or using your hands?

Answer Key

True – Septic arthritis is an infection inside a joint.
False – It needs treatment right away; waiting can cause serious harm.
True – Antibiotics are the main treatment.
True – A cut near a joint can allow germs to enter and cause infection.
False – It is a medical emergency and must be treated quickly.
True – These are common signs of infection in a joint.
True – Germs from another infection can travel through the blood to a joint.
True – Resting helps the joint heal and reduces pain.
False – You must finish all antibiotics, even if you feel better.
True – Infected fluid is often drained from the joint.
True – Ice and elevation can reduce swelling if approved by a doctor.
False – Follow-up visits are important to make sure the infection is gone.
True – Joint damage can happen if not treated early.
True – Not being able to move the joint can be a sign of a serious emergency.
False – It can happen at any age, especially in people with other health problems.
True – A weak immune system or diabetes increases the risk.
True – Pain medicine is often used along with antibiotics to ease symptoms.
False – Septic arthritis is not caused by exercise—it’s caused by germs.
False – Some people may need surgery to clean out the infection.
True – If symptoms come back, you should tell your nurse or doctor right away.