Q. Should I seek further treatment for my septic joint?
Hi doctor,
Before 10 days, I got a cut on my knee. Two days later, I swam in the contaminated water. Then, I realized that my knee was extremely red, inflamed, tender and spreading outward from the site of the cut (first image). I cleaned the wound with alcohol and did not seek treatment. The following morning, the redness had gone down, and there was less tenderness. Three days later, I started on antibiotics (Cephalexin) four times a day for 10 days. The doctor who prescribed the antibiotics said he was concerned it may be a septic joint. The second image was taken last night. Should I seek further medical treatment for the septic joint? I can walk, run and bend my knee. However, it is a bit stiff. I am not sure if this is just the scab. I do not want to leave this and allow the condition to progress. I also have seven more days of antibiotics to complete, so I do not want to jump to conclusions. Please advise.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have gone through your history and the images (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
- Although it is still not clear how the wound happened, did you brush against something while swimming or was it some insect bite?
- Secondly, as you mentioned fresh water, we need to put you on another antibiotic for atypical organisms. I would suggest adding Clarithromycin to Cefalexin as the wound has not shown too much improvement after three days. It is still red with scab.
- Thirdly, as for septic arthritis, as long as you can bend your knee and move around, I doubt it has involved the joint. But, just to be sure, you can get an ultrasound.
- The stiffness is due to the cellulitis right above the joint with scab formation. Nevertheless, get an ultrasound for the knee done to be sure there is no extension of the infection within.
Investigations to be done:
Ultrasound knee.
Regarding follow up:For further information consult a rheumatologist online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/rheumatologist
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
The big wound in my anal fissure is curing, while the small wounds do not. Please suggest.
.. fissure is a wound in the anal canal caused by various reasons such as overactive anal sphincter pressure, passing hard stools, straining at defecation, and rarely also in Crohn's disease. I hope the doctor has evaluated you for the same. Usually,... Read full
Please suggest me an antibiotic to get rid of cellulitis... your blood sugar checked and send a blood culture. If the organism shows resistance to certain drugs, then we need to change the antibiotics to cure cellulitis. Also get an ultrasound of the abdomen to rule out inguinal lymphadenopathy. Please sen... Read full
What do you recommend for my father's cellulitis leg?.. here to help you. In evaluating his case, my recommendations would be that he should be admitted for a week and should be given injectable broad antibiotics according to his culture and sensitivity report. He would also require a color Doppler of ... Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Missed Miscarriage - An Overview
Sometimes a miscarriage occurs without knowledge, as typical signs may be absent. This is called a missed miscarriage. L... Read more»
H3N2v Influenza - Treatment and Prevention
Management and prevention of an Influenza A virus variant include various treatment options and measures. The below arti... Read more»
Flu A - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. Flu A and B viruses are resp... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Rheumatologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
