Septic Arthritis
Yes, you can develop arthritis from a bacterial infection. Septic arthritis, also known as infectious or bacterial arthritis, is inflammation in joints caused by bacteria that has entered and infected a joint. The most common joints to be affected are the knees and hips, but more than one joint can be affected at a time. Without treatment, septic arthritis can lead to permanent damage and may be life-threatening.
Because septic arthritis can affect anyone, even young children, it’s important to know the causes and symptoms. The condition is commonly caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. These two strains enter a wound through the bloodstream, usually after having joint surgery, a bacterial infection somewhere else in the body, using injected drugs, injuring a joint, taking medication that suppresses the immune system, or having another condition like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms of septic arthritis include severe pain around the joint, swelling, tenderness, and palpable heat. Symptoms develop quickly, over hours or days. You may also have difficulty moving the joint.
