Treatments for Septic Arthritis

Specific treatment for septic arthritis will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the condition
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
• Expectation for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Septic arthritis usually requires immediate treatment with antibiotics, which can often improve symptoms within 48 hours. However, certain infections caused by fungi need treatment with anti-fungal medications, while viral infections usually have to run their course without treatment. To prevent accumulation of pus from the infection, which can damage the joint, the pus may be drained with a needle, tube, or surgery.

Other treatment may include:

• Medications (to reduce pain and fever)
• Physical therapy
• Splinting the joint (to relieve pain)