Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is a medical disorder that develops when bacteria, viruses, or fungus infect a joint. Infectious arthritis’s acute phase can be excruciating and incapacitating, but its long-term repercussions can also be detrimental to joint health, mobility, and general quality of life.
Infectious arthritis’s six long-term impacts are as follows:
1. Joint Deformities and Damage: Joint injury is one of the most important long-term complications of viral arthritis. Inflammation brought on by the infection damages bone and cartilage within the joint. Joint abnormalities caused by this damage may have an impact on the joint’s functionality as well as aesthetics. The joint’s capacity to move easily and support weight might deteriorate over time, which can reduce mobility and even change a person’s stride.
2. Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Infectious arthritis frequently results in chronic pain and discomfort. Infection-related persistent inflammation can lead to chronic discomfort that interferes with everyday activities and lowers quality of life in general. Joint injury, nerve irritation, and continuous inflammation can exacerbate the discomfort, resulting in movement restrictions and trouble doing basic chores.
3. Limited Range of Motion: Joints afflicted by infectious arthritis may become stiff and have a restricted range of motion. Scar tissue may develop as a result of the chronic inflammation and joint injury, limiting the joint’s range of motion. It may be difficult to maintain an active lifestyle because of this restriction, which may affect daily activities including walking, reaching, and bending.
4. Secondary Osteoarthritis: Secondary osteoarthritis can occasionally result from viral arthritis. The initial infection may hasten the destruction of cartilage and other joint components. Osteoarthritis is a persistent degenerative joint disease that may eventually result from this. Osteoarthritis can make managing the damaged joint more difficult, aggravate joint discomfort, and diminish joint function.
5. Functional Impairment: Joint injury, discomfort, a restricted range of motion, and possible abnormalities can all work together to cause functional impairment. Basic everyday tasks like clothing, bathing, and cooking may be difficult for people with infectious arthritis to complete. Independence and general well-being can be greatly impacted by functional disability.
6. Psychosocial Impact: Infectious arthritis can have long-term repercussions on a person’s emotional and psychological health in addition to its physical symptoms. Frustration, anxiety, and despair can result from managing chronic pain, functional restrictions, and probable impairment. People may also lose their sense of self, particularly if they are unable to continue with activities they used to enjoy.