Guest guest Posted August 28, 2001 Report Share Posted August 28, 2001 Hey there again, I have a question. I was just reading about Infectious Arthritis and was wondering if anyone knows anything about it? If you have this kind, would your Rheumatoid factor become elevated? Kind of Curious...any input would be appreciated... Chat with you all soon, Kerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2001 Report Share Posted August 29, 2001 Interesting - I have an old version of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica and in there it defines rheumatoid arthritis as 'infectious arthritis'. Seems it was accepted that the disease is caused by infection years and years ago. Chris. >Hey there again, >I have a question. I was just reading about Infectious Arthritis and >was wondering if anyone knows anything about it? If you have this kind, >would your Rheumatoid factor become elevated? Kind of Curious...any >input would be appreciated... >Chat with you all soon, >Kerry > > > >To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2001 Report Share Posted August 29, 2001 > From: " and Chas Adlard " <cadlard@...> > Subject: Re: Re: Infectious Arthritis > > Interesting - I have an old version of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica > and in there it defines rheumatoid arthritis as 'infectious arthritis'. > Seems it was accepted that the disease is caused by infection years > and years ago. > > Chris. There's more money in it when it's defined as an 'incurable chronic autoimmune' disease. Regards, ----------------------- Geoff ** Usual Disclaimers ** ----------------------- The Formula of Life: Ge12.2+2Sa7.12.13(1Ch17.12.14)+(Ps2+69.4\72/78.2+107.9)+ Is2.3/7.14\11.1-5/35.4-6(42.1-4+45.21+50.6+52.13)53+59.16+ Je31.15+Mi5:2=HaMoshiach http://www.healingyou.org/ Nonprofit: Herbs, Homeopathics & supp's. http://www.800-800-cruise.com/index-aff.html Make money & travel! http://www.800-800-cruise.com/ Over a MILLION travel deals! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 29, 2001 Report Share Posted August 29, 2001 I have a rheumatology textbook which is about 15 years old. It's a funny weird disconnect: Read most of the book on autoimmune diseases, and they follow the traditional dogma of an immune system gone haywire. The section on infectious arthritis was written by different authors, and they discuss all the " possibilities " Dr. Brown considered to be true, and hint that they think mycoplasmas and other infectious agents might yet prove to be the cause of RA and other autoimmune diseases. I'm really glad folks like those authors, and Dr's Franco and Trentham have had the insight and courage to continue this work, despite the contrary popular beliefs of the mainstream. I know I feel drastically better after being treated with minocycline for 2 years. Jean > Interesting - I have an old version of the Encyclopaedia Brittanica and in > there it defines rheumatoid arthritis as 'infectious arthritis'. Seems it was > accepted that the disease is caused by infection years and years ago. > > Chris. > >> Hey there again, I have a question. I was just reading about Infectious >> Arthritis and was wondering if anyone knows anything about it? If you have >> this kind, would your Rheumatoid factor become elevated? Kind of >> Curious...any input would be appreciated... Chat with you all soon, Kerry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2001 Report Share Posted August 30, 2001 Hey Guys, This is the page that I found on 'Infectious Arthritis' This is what I was asking you all about. Thought maybe some of you would like to check this out. All is going well so far here, haven't started the Prednisone yet as I have an appointment tomorrow (Friday) with the Rheumatologist and will talk more with her, besides the fact that I'am scared to death about taking it. So will let everyone know the outcome, until then, I hope that everyone is hanging in there and will chat with you all soon, Take Care, Kerry http://www.arthritis.ca/types%20of%20arthritis/infectious/default.asp?s=1 Sponsored through aneducational grant from: Developed & maintained by Infectious ArthritisWhat is infectious arthritis?How common is infectious arthritis?What are the warning signs of infectious arthritis?What causes infectious arthritis?What can you do about infectious arthritis?Additional Tips for Living WellWhat is infectious arthritis? Infectious arthritis causes pain and swelling in the joints. Joints are the places where two or more bones come together. The pain and swelling is called inflammation. The inflammation is caused by a germ. The germ can be a bacterium (back-teer-e-um), a virus, or a fungus. Infectious arthritis normally affects only one joint, but sometimes affects more. It does not usually last a long time if it is treated early. Infectious arthritis is a form of joint inflammation caused by a germ. The germ can be a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. Infection of the joints usually occurs after a previous infection elsewhere in the body. There is usually only one joint involved, though sometimes two or three joints can become infected. Mostly, infectious arthritis affects the large joints (shoulders, hips, knees), but smaller joints (fingers, ankles) can also be involved. How common is infectious arthritis? Both men and women can get infectious arthritis. It can affect people of any age. Some people are more likely to get infectious arthritis than others. For example, a person who has an illness that makes it harder to fight off other infections may be more at risk. Any person, at any age, can get infectious arthritis. However, some people are more likely to get infectious arthritis than others. These include those with conditions that make it difficult to fight off infection, such as: diabetes sickle-cell anaemia severe kidney disease AIDS immune deficiency some forms of cancer alcoholism intravenous drug abuse People with an existing arthritis are also more likely to develop infectious arthritis, because germs tend to infect a joint that is damaged, and therefore weaker than a healthy one. If a person has had surgery to replace a joint with an artificial one, this can also provide a slight chance of infection developing. If it does, it usually occurs a short time after the surgical procedure. However, it is not unheard of for infection to show up in a person years after having joint replacement surgery. Some of the stronger medications used to treat certain types of inflammatory arthritis also lower the body's resistance to infection, making it easier for infectious arthritis to take hold. People who work in jobs where exposure to animals, plants, marine life and soil is common also have a higher chance of contracting infectious arthritis. What are the warning signs of infectious arthritis? If you have infectious arthritis, the warning signs are different depending on what type of germ causes it. If it is caused by a bacterium, the pain and swelling is usually only in one spot. It tends to come on suddenly. You may also have a fever and chills. If it is caused by a virus, you may have pain all over. Usually there is no fever. If it is caused by a fungus, the pain and swelling comes on very slowly, over weeks or months. The pain and swelling can be in one spot or all over the body. There may be a mild fever. The symptoms of infectious arthritis vary according to the type of germ causing it. If the arthritis is caused by a bacterium, inflammation is generally located in only one place or area. The infection is often accompanied by fever and chills and its onset is quite sudden. With infectious arthritis caused by a virus, there is usually no fever, but there is an aching feeling all over the body. Inflammation caused by a fungal infection can be in one area or throughout the body, and it usually occurs very slowly, over weeks or months. You may have a mild fever or no fever at all. What causes infectious arthritis? Infectious arthritis is caused by a germ that has travelled through the body to a joint. The germ can be a bacterium, a virus or a fungus. The germ may have entered your body through the skin, nose, throat or ears, or through a wound. Often you may have already been sick as a result of the infection before it travels to the joints. With infectious arthritis a germ has travelled through the body to a joint. The germ may have entered the body through the skin, nose, throat or ears, or through an existing wound. Usually, there has already been an infection elsewhere in the body. For example, if you develop infectious arthritis from the bacterium pneumococcus, which causes pneumonia, you may have already experienced pneumonia in the lungs. After the initial infection, the germ can travel through the bloodstream to the joints, where it then settles and causes inflammation. Bacteria cause most cases of infectious arthritis. The types of bacteria that might cause such infection include: gonococcus staphylococcus streptococcus pneumococcus hemophilus spirochetes tuberculosis Certain viruses can also cause infectious arthritis. They include: infectious hepatitis mumps infectious mononucleosis Fungi are the least common cause of infectious arthritis. They are usually found in: soil bird droppings certain plants, such as roses Infectious arthritis is not transmittable from one person to the other, but some germs (such as those causing gonorrhoea and measles) can be spread by person-to-person contact. However, while these diseases can be passed on, this does not automatically mean the development of infectious arthritis is. What can you do about infectious arthritis? If your doctor thinks you have infectious arthritis, he or she may perform a physical examination, and order x-rays and other tests. Your doctor will probably also ask questions about things like whether you have been sick from other illnesses, or have been in contact with other people who have infections. Most of the time infectious arthritis can be cured if it is treated early. Without treatment however, the affected joints can become very damaged and the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Learn as much as you can about this disease. Speaking with people who are specialists in arthritis care can provide you with the information you need. Infectious arthritis is usually not a long-term illness. Most of the time it can be cured if it is treated promptly and properly. Without treatment however, the affected joints can become very damaged and the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Establishing the correct diagnosis is important, so if your doctor thinks you have infectious arthritis, he or she may ask questions about the symptoms, other medical conditions, recent travel, illnesses, and contact with people who may have had infections. He or she may also perform a physical examination, and order x-rays and other tests to find out what germ is causing the infection. This can be done by using a needle to removing a sample of fluid from the joint so it can be examined. If tuberculosis or a fungus is the suspected cause, sometimes a small piece of tissue from the joint may need to be cut away and examined. If a virus is suspected, a blood test may be done because your body develops cells called antibodies to fight off the virus. These antibodies will show up in a blood test. People with infectious arthritis are often put in the hospital for treatment. Sometimes affected joints must be drained of excess fluid that has built up. This is done by inserting a needle directly into the joint. This procedure is usually painless. Sometimes the same joint may need to be drained several times if fluid build-up recurs. Further treatment varies depending on what type of germ has caused the infection. Your active involvement in developing your treatment plan is essential. Medicine 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. Additional Tips for Living Well The Arthritis Society offers a variety of programs and services that can be helpful. You can reach the Society at 1-800-321-1433 from anywhere in Canada. You can also reach us through our Web site at www.arthritis.ca Along with the physical symptoms of arthritis, many people experience feelings of helplessness and depression. Learning daily living strategies to manage your arthritis gives you a greater feeling of control and a more positive outlook. To get the best results, people affected by arthritis need to form close ties with their doctors and therapists, and become full partners in their treatment. From our perspective, it's all part of 'living well with arthritis.' There are several resources you can use in finding out how best to manage your own arthritis. Here are a few: The Arthritis Self-Management Program (ASMP) is a unique self-help program offered by The Arthritis Society to help you better control and manage your arthritis. Arthritis News, published quarterly by The Arthritis Society, provides a current perspective on the many issues of living with arthritis. The Open Forum within this Web site is an opportunity to discuss and share information with other visitors - people who, through their own experiences, may be able to offer some useful insights. Of course, there are many other valuable resources for people with arthritis. If you're unclear about where to look for help, be sure to call The Arthritis Society at 1-800-321-1433. This page was last reviewed/updated on : 11/10/2000 Types of Arthritis Ankylosing Spondylitis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Childhood Arthritis Chronic Back Injury Fibromyalgia Gout Infectious Arthritis Lupus Lyme Disease Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Pagets's Disease Polymyalgia Rheumatica Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis Pseudogout Psoriatic Arthritis Raynaud's Phenomenon Reactive Arthritis Reiter's Syndrome Repetitive Stress Injury Rheumatoid Arthritis Scleroderma Sjögrens Syndrome Copyright © 2001 The Arthritis Society | Disclaimers | Privacy Statement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2001 Report Share Posted August 31, 2001 Infectious Arthritishttp://www.thearthritiscenter.com/ Hi Kerry, You might also want to take a look at Dr. Franco's website at the above address. Good luck with your appointment and please let us know how it goes. Liz G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 31, 2001 Report Share Posted August 31, 2001 http://www.thearthritiscenter.com/ Oops, the link got munged up in the copy and paste. Try this one. Liz G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 11, 2006 Report Share Posted April 11, 2006 the arthritis foundation now has a flyer titled " infectious arthritis " whihc includes causes of mold, bacteria, and viral evidently it is now a mainstream diagnosis also chekc arthritis center of riverside, CA the doc there has been doing ABX for years. amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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