Bone and Joint Infection in Guntur: Symptoms, Causes and When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Quick Summary
A painful knee or joint does not always mean arthritis. An infection can also cause pain, swelling and difficulty moving the joint. Sometimes there is fever too. Bone infections can develop after an injury or surgery, while bacteria can also reach a bone or joint through the blood.
Getting the cause checked matters because an infection can damage the bone or joint if it is left untreated.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Bone or Joint Infection?
- What Causes Bone and Joint Infections?
- What Symptoms Should You Look For?
- How Is a Bone or Joint Infection Diagnosed?
- How Is a Joint Infection Treated?
- When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
What Is a Bone or Joint Infection?
A bone infection is called osteomyelitis. When an infection develops inside a joint, it is called septic arthritis.
Both can cause pain, but the symptoms may not always appear in the same way.
A joint infection can come on quite quickly. The joint may become swollen, hot and painful, and moving it can become difficult.
A bone infection may develop more slowly. You might have pain or tenderness in one particular area that keeps getting worse.
It can be difficult to tell what is causing the pain just from the symptoms. Arthritis, an injury and an infection can sometimes feel similar in the beginning.
What Causes Bone and Joint Infections?
Bacteria are a common cause of these infections.
An infection can start after an open injury, especially when the skin is broken. An open fracture can also allow bacteria to reach the bone.
Surgery is another possible cause. In some cases, bacteria can reach an artificial joint after joint replacement surgery.
There is also another way it can happen. Bacteria from an infection elsewhere in the body can enter the bloodstream and travel to a bone or joint.
Certain health conditions can make infections more likely. Diabetes and a weakened immune system are examples. Previous surgery and artificial joints are also important when a doctor is trying to understand the cause of new symptoms.
What Symptoms Should You Look For?
A joint infection can sometimes develop quickly. The joint may swell and feel hot, and even normal movement can become painful.
A bone infection can take longer to show itself. You may notice pain or tenderness in one area that doesn't seem to go away.
With a bone infection, you may notice:
- Pain in or around the affected bone
- Swelling in the area
- The skin may feel warm or look red
- Tenderness when the area is touched
- Fever
- Chills
- Trouble using the affected arm or leg
With an infected joint, you may notice:
- Pain that starts suddenly or keeps getting worse
- Swelling around the joint
- The joint may feel warm or look red
- Difficulty moving the joint
- Fever or chills
- Feeling unwell
A knee that is hot and swollen can hurt a lot when you walk or try to bend it.
Fever can happen with an infection, but it isn't always there. So you can't rule out an infection just because you don't have a fever.
Pain and swelling can also come from other problems. Arthritis and injuries, for example, can cause similar symptoms.
If the pain feels unusual, stays for a while or keeps getting worse, it is worth getting it checked.
How Is a Bone or Joint Infection Diagnosed?
The doctor will ask about your symptoms first.
They might also ask if you recently had an injury, surgery, or any infection. They will then examine for swelling or problems with movement.
Blood tests can show signs of infection, although blood tests alone cannot always confirm a bone or joint infection.
An X-ray may be used to look at the bone. If more detail is needed, an MRI can show the bone and surrounding tissues more clearly.
When a joint infection is suspected, the doctor may take some fluid from the joint. This sample can be tested to check for bacteria and find out what type of infection is present.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also clearly explains how joint infections are evaluated and treated in its patient guidance.
The doctor uses these results along with the symptoms and examination to decide what is happening.
How Is a Joint Infection Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of infection and how serious it is.
Antibiotics
Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
The medicine depends on the bacteria causing the infection. Treatment can continue for several weeks, particularly with a bone infection.
Some people may need antibiotics through a vein at the beginning of treatment.
Draining the Joint
An infected joint can contain infected fluid. This may need to be removed.
The fluid can also be sent for testing. This will help the doctor to understand what is causing your infection and to choose the right treatment.
Surgery
Some infections need more than antibiotics. If an abscess has formed, the doctor may need to drain it. Infected or damaged tissue may also need to be removed.
An infection around an artificial joint can be harder to treat. In some cases, another procedure may be needed.
The treatment depends on where the infection is, how serious it is and how the person responds to treatment.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Don't wait too long if joint pain is getting worse, especially when there is swelling, warmth or redness.
You should get it checked if you have:
- A painful or swollen joint
- A joint that feels hot
- Redness around a joint or bone
- Fever or chills with bone or joint pain
- Trouble moving the joint
- Pain that keeps getting worse
- Discharge from a wound
- New or increasing pain after surgery
A hot, swollen joint with fever needs prompt medical attention.
If you are searching for an orthopedic doctor near me or an orthopedic clinic near me, the first thing to look for is proper assessment of the problem. You don't want to assume that the pain is arthritis and keep treating it yourself when something else may be causing it.
For people looking for orthopedic treatment in Guntur, an orthopedic specialist can examine the problem and decide whether tests are needed.
Final Thoughts
Bone and joint infections are not the most common reason for joint pain. But when an infection is present, leaving it untreated can cause more damage.
The signs can be easy to confuse with other problems. A swollen knee could be arthritis. It could be an injury. It could also be an infection.
You cannot know the cause just by looking at the symptoms.
If the pain continues, gets worse or comes with swelling, warmth, redness or fever, get it checked. Finding the cause is the first part of getting the right treatment.
If you are looking for a bone and joint specialist or an orthopedic hospital in Guntur, Sai Bhaskar Hospitals provides care for a range of bone and joint conditions.
FAQs
What are the common bone infection symptoms?
Pain, tenderness and swelling around the affected bone are common. The area may also become warm or red. Fever and chills can occur as well.
Can a joint infection cause knee pain?
Yes. A joint infection can cause significant knee pain, swelling, warmth and difficulty moving the knee.
Can a joint infection be treated without surgery?
Some infections can be treated with antibiotics and drainage. Other cases need surgery. It depends on the infection and how far it has progressed.
Can bone and joint infections happen after surgery?
Yes. An infection can develop after orthopedic surgery and can sometimes affect an artificial joint. Increasing pain, swelling, warmth, fever or discharge should be checked.
When should I see an orthopedic surgeon in Guntur?
See an orthopedic surgeon when bone or joint pain continues or gets worse, especially if it affects your movement. If you have a hot, swollen joint with fever, seek medical attention promptly.
Is an orthopedic hospital in Guntur suitable for bone and joint infections?
An orthopedic hospital can assess bone and joint problems and arrange the tests needed to find the cause. If an infection is suspected, treatment can then be planned based on the diagnosis.