Infectious arthritis is a joint inflammation due to an infection in a joint. This may be caused by a bacterium, virus, or fungus. It is almost always curable. When diagnosed and treated promptly, there is usually no lasting joint damage. If not treated early, joint damage may occur.

Bacteria that cause illnesses such as gonorrhea, staph infections, and Lyme Disease, and viral infections including hepatitis, mumps, German measles, and mononucleosis, can all lead to infectious arthritis. Fungi, found in soil, bird droppings, and on certain plants, are the least common cause. Bacteria and fungi are treated with drugs. A viral infection will usually go away on its own.

This problem most often affects only one joint, although two or three joints may be involved. The shoulders, hips, and knees are most often affected. Red tender bumps about the size of a quarter may occur on the skin of the lower legs. Other symptoms include fever, and ankle or other joint swelling and pain.

Some people who are at higher risk for this disease include those with:
* diabetes,
* sickle cell anemia,
* severe kidney disease,
* HIV or AIDS,
* some kinds of cancer,
* an abnormal heart valve, or
* an IV drug use problem.

Certain drugs can decrease a person's ability to resist infections. People who receive repeated steroid shots into the same joint risk getting an infection in that joint.

Certain jobs can expose workers to infectious arthritis. People more likely to get it include those who work with animals, plants or soil. These include farmers, gardeners, and fishermen. Infectious arthritis is not contagious. For more information, call the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 283-7800.

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