Infectious arthritis (septic arthritis) is caused by a
bacterial, viral, or fungal infection inside a joint. The
infection may be caused by an illness or may spread from an
infection in a wound near a joint. The large joints, such as the
hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows, are most often affected.
Infectious arthritis usually affects one joint, but it can
affect many joints. Symptoms may include: Severe pain with the
slightest joint motion or pressure on the joint. Fever and
chills. weakness and headache. Painful, red, swollen, and stiff
Red streaks near the joint. Immediate treatment with antibiotics
and, possibly, surgical drainage of the affected joint can
prevent the spread of the infection, the destruction of the
joint, and even death. William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP -
Emergency Medicine & David Messenger, MD How this information
was developed to help you make better health decisions.