What Is Septic Arthritis And How To Manage It With Physical Therapy.

The most common cause of septic arthritis.

Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is a type of joint inflammation caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The infection can occur in any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. The condition can cause severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, as well as fever and chills.

How does physical therapy plays a role in recovery from septic arthritis?

Physical therapy can play a role in the treatment of septic arthritis, but it is not the primary treatment. The primary treatment for septic arthritis is typically antibiotics to fight the infection. If the infection is severe or has caused significant damage to the joint, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or debris.

Once the infection is under control, physical therapy can help improve joint mobility and strength, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent future joint damage. A physical therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's specific needs and goals. This may include exercises to improve range of motion and strength, manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and stiffness, and modalities such as heat or ice therapy to reduce inflammation.

It is important to note that physical therapy for septic arthritis should only be undertaken under the guidance of a trained healthcare professional. It is essential to ensure that the infection is under control before starting physical therapy, as inappropriate exercise or manual therapy could exacerbate the infection or cause further joint damage.

Septic arthritis is a serious condition that requires 1st and foremost a prompt medical attention and treatment with antibiotics. Physical therapy can be helpful in managing the symptoms of septic arthritis and restoring function to the affected joint, especially post surgery.

The top physical therapy treatments for septic arthritis may include:

1. Range of motion exercises: Range of motion exercises can help improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness. The physical therapist may prescribe exercises to gently move the joint through its full range of motion, such as bending and straightening the knee or rotating the shoulder.

2. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises can help improve muscle strength and support the affected joint. The physical therapist may prescribe exercises to target specific muscles around the joint, such as the quadriceps muscles around the knee.

3. Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility. These techniques should only be performed by a trained healthcare professional.

4. Heat and cold therapy: Heat therapy can help relax muscles and reduce pain, while cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and swelling. The physical therapist may recommend alternating between heat and cold therapy for best results.

5. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, involves performing exercises in a pool or other body of water. The buoyancy of the water can reduce the weight-bearing load on the joint, making it easier to perform exercises and reduce pain.

6. Assistive devices: Assistive devices such as crutches, braces, or splints may be recommended to help support the affected joint and reduce stress on it during physical activity.

It is important to work closely with a physical therapist who has experience in treating septic arthritis to ensure that treatment is safe and effective. The physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's specific needs and goals.