Can septic arthritis be treated?
Most of the time infectious arthritis can be cured if it is treated early. • Antibiotics. Because an infected joint can be destroyed within days or sometimes within hours without prompt treatment, antibiotics must be started as soon as an infection is suspected. Infections caused by bacteria are treated with a combination of antibiotics. It is important to take all the antibiotics prescribed, even if the symptoms may have been relieved, so that the bacteria do not get stronger and develop a resistance to antibiotics. • Antifungal drugs. Infections caused by fungi are treated with antifungal drugs. • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Infections caused by viruses usually get better without treatment. NSAIDs help relieve the pain and fever. • Medication. Infections caused by viruses usually get better without treatment. You can reduce the pain and fever by taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). • Joint drainage. Depending on your condition, you may be put in the hospital for treatme
