Infectious Arthritis Treatments

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medication is often given to treat the pain and swelling of infectious arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication that helps reduce the pain and swelling of the joints and decrease stiffness. However, they do not prevent further joint damage.
NSAIDs reduce pain when taken at a low dose, and relieve inflammation when taken at a higher dose. NSAIDs such as ASA (Aspirin, Anacin, etc.) and ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can be purchased without a prescription. Examples of NSAIDs that require a prescription include Naprosyn, Relafen, Indocid, Voltaren, Feldene, and Clinoril. The various NSAIDs and Aspirin®, if taken in full doses, usually have the same levels of anti-inflammatory effect. However, different individuals may experience greater relief from one medication than another. Taking more than one NSAID at a time increases the possibility of side effects, particularly stomach problems such as heartburn, ulcers and bleeding. People taking these medications should consider taking something to protect the stomach, such as misoprostol (Cytotec).
Antibiotics are usually given to treat infectious arthritis caused by bacteria. Antibiotics are usually given for bacterial infections. There are different antibiotics for the different germs. Antibiotics may be taken by mouth or given directly into a vein (intravenously). Sometimes it may be necessary to take the antibiotics over a period of several months. 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.
Anti-fungal medications may be given to treat infectious arthritis as a result of a fungus.
Infectious arthritis caused by a fungus is the most resistant to treatment. Anti-fungal medications may be prescribed and may have to be taken for months. Surgery to remove the infection from the joint may also be needed. Recurrence of this type of infection is always a possibility.
Usually no medications, besides those for pain and swelling, are given for infectious arthritis caused by a virus. The infection normally goes away on its own.
Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. The infections usually resolve themselves on their own. If you have infectious arthritis from a virus you can help the healing process by getting plenty of rest and drinking extra fluids.

Exercise

Once your infectious arthritis is under control, doing exercises can help you strengthen your joints and muscles.
As the infection subsides, you may be instructed to do exercises that strengthen your muscles. A program of muscle strengthening will help with a favourable recovery. Exercises to improve the range of motion of the joints will also assist with your ability to resume normal activities. Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Heat/Cold

Applying heat helps relax aching muscles, and reduces joint pain and soreness. For example, take a hot shower.
Applying cold helps to lessen the pain and swelling in a joint. For example, put an ice pack on the area that is sore.
Heat or cold application can provide temporary relief of pain. Heat helps to reduce pain and stiffness by relaxing aching muscles and increasing circulation to the area. There is some concern that heat may worsen the symptoms in an already inflamed joint. Cold helps numb the area by constricting the blood vessels and blocking nerve impulses in the joint. Applying ice or cold packs appears to decrease inflammation and therefore is the method of choice when joints are inflamed.

Protect Your Joints

Be kind to your body. After doing heavy work, or doing the same task over and over, stop. Slow down by doing an easy task, or by taking a rest.
Use your back, arms and legs in safe ways to avoid putting stress on joints. For example, carry a heavy load close to your body.
Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags, or an enlarged handle that fits over a knife handle so you can hold it easily. A cart will help you to walk more safely. A grab bar, which attaches to a shower, will help you to get in and out of the tub more easily.
Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra stress on your joints.
Protecting your joints means using them in ways that avoid excess stress. Benefits include less pain and greater ease in doing tasks.

Three main techniques to protect your joints are:
Pacing, by alternating heavy or repeated tasks with easier tasks or breaks, reduces the stress on painful joints and allows weakened muscles to rest.

Positioning joints wisely helps you use them in ways that avoid extra stress. Use larger, stronger joints to carry loads. For example, use a shoulder bag instead of a hand-held one. Also, avoid keeping the same position for a long period of time.

Using helpful devices, such as canes, luggage carts, grocery carts and reaching aids, can help make daily tasks easier. Small appliances such as microwaves, food processors and bread makers can be useful in the kitchen. Using grab bars and shower seats in the bathroom can help you to conserve energy and avoid falls.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce stress on joints, and therefore reduce pain. If you plan to lose weight, discuss the best program for you with your doctor and a dietician.

Relaxation

Relaxing the muscles around an inflamed joint reduces pain.
There are many ways to relax. Try deep breathing exercises. Listen to music or relaxation tapes. Meditate or pray. Another way to relax is to imagine or visualize a pleasant activity such as lying on a beach, or sitting in front of a fireplace.
Developing good relaxation and coping skills can give you a greater feeling of control over your arthritis and a more positive outlook.
Surgery
If your infectious arthritis is caused by a fungus, you and your doctor may consider surgery to remove the infection from the joint.