Septic Arthritis

Septic Arthritis is also known as bacterial arthritis and is a condition caused by bacterial infection of the joint space. The infection may be located at the affected joint or may have traveled through the bloodstream. Micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group B streptococci are often the cause for this form of arthritis. This medical condition must be treated immediately lest it destroy the affected joint. The knees and hip are most often affected by septic arthritis. But sometimes the shoulder, wrist, elbow or ankles are affected. Often septic arthritis is noticed in persons who have had traumatic injury to the joint or fitted with an artificial joint. Diabetes and rhematoid arthritis can put a person at higher risk for septic arthritis. Poor immune system and intravenous drug abuse are other conditions that put a person at additional risk of contracting septic arthritis. Septic arthritis manifests with symptoms such as intense joint pain and swelling of the affected joint. Swelling on the affected joint makes it very tender and redness is noticed. Low grade fever is also noticed.

Aspiration of snyovial fluid and its culture helps in diagnosing septic arthritis. X-rays may not help in detecting this form of arthritis in the early stages. Draining the increased synovial fluid from the affected joint can help in relieving pressure and reduce symptoms of septic arthritis. The damage to the affected joint can be arrested once the fluid is drained. Blood tests can help in prescribing the right antibiotics to find the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. In the early stages of treatment, the antibiotics are directly injected into the vein. But the antibiotic treatment must be continued till the infection is completely eliminated. While warm compresses and elevation gives some relief to a person suffering from septic arthritis, rest will also do good. The affected joint may be rehabilitated with supportive exercises.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Painful, stiff joints are the primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease resulting in chronic inflammation of the joints. More than one joint is usually affected. Women are more predisposed to contracting rheumatoid arthritis. It usually sets in when a person is between 40 - 60 years. The exact reason for the autoimmune system attack is not known. This condition is heriditary and can be brought about by environmental and hormonal factors. Tissues around the joint become inflamed in a rheumatoid arthritic condition. During an attack of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms such as fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever and joint stiffness are noticed. The symptoms are most notable in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. These attacks come and go. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that can lead to joint destruction and functional disability. Multiple joints including small joints of the hands and wrist are often affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely debilitating, thereby making simple chores painful. In fact, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the salivary glands, tear glands and heart and lungs.

A rheumatologist will diagnose the condition based on blood test, x-rays and physical examination. The joints are examined for inflammation and deformity and presence of rheumatoid nodules. In persons suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, blood antibodies such as citrulline are noticed. Arthrocentesis or extraction of joint fluid is also conducted. There is no known cure for rhematoid arthritis. Medication is prescribed to relieve joint inflammation and prevention deformation of the joints. First-line drugs like corticosteroids or aspirin are used to reduce pain and inflammation whereas second-line drugs such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are prescribed for preventing progressive joint destruction. An exercise regimen may need to be followed for preventing work disability and strenghtening the joints.

Gouty Arthritis

An attack of gout is caused due to deposition of uric acid in the joints. This occurs due to overproduction of uric acid or inability of the kidneys to flush out the uric acid. Gouty arthritis is characterized by pain in the joints of the feet and hands. Persons suffering from diabetes, obesity or kidney disease are also likely to suffer from gouty arthritis. Those taking drugs that interfere with uric acid excretion such as thiazide diuretics, pyrazinamide and ethambutol may develop gouty arthritis. Gout can sometimes be a heriditary condition. The excessive uric acid crystals are deposited within the joint space causing irritation and swelling. Typically persons suffering from gouty arthritis experience pain in the base of the toes. The ankles and knees are also likely to get affected. An attack of gouty arthritis differs from other arthritis conditions in that it affects one joint at a time.

Gouty arthritis attacks are painful and can recur at irregular intervals. The condition can then become chronic. The affected joint becomes red, swollen and extremely tender. Repeated attacks of gouty arthritis might lead to joint deformity and limited motion. A condition of chronic kidney failure might also result. An aspiration of the fluid from the joint space can reveal a gouty arthritis condition. This procedure is known as 'Arthrocentesis'. The fluid is examined for presence of uric acid crystals. Blood and urine tests reveal the levels of uric acid. A person suffering from acute gout attacks must maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce . A purine-rich diet can aggravate gout attacks. Reduced dietary fat and calorie intake is always beneficial. Excessive alocohol consumptions can trigger disorder of uric acid metabolism.

Person suffering from gouty arthritis can relieve symptoms by resting and elevating the affected joint. Use of ice packs can help in reducing inflammation and pain. Uric acid levels in the blood are usually treated with Probenecid (Benemid) and sulfinpyrazone (Anturane). The medications aid the excretion of uric acid into the urine. Powerful corticosteroids are prescribed in short courses for treating acute cases of gout.