Sprains affecting joints are discussed under Bones,
Joints And Muscle Injuries. Limps
and pain in the legs are also discussed under separate headings.
Here we shall discuss conditions giving rise to pain and swelling of the joints. These
conditions are grouped
under the heading of arthritis.
Bacterial Infections
Acute bacterial infection and tuberculosis can result in arthritis. Arthritis caused by acute
bacterial infection
is termed septic arthritis.
SYMPTOMS: It presents with sudden onset of fever (usually high) and painful swelling with
restriction of
joint movements. It usually affects the hip, knee or ankle
joints. In tuberculosis, the swelling may increase gradually and persist for days and weeks.
TREATMENT: Acute septic arthritis needs surgical opinion and treatment with intravenous
antibiotics.
Rheumatic Fever
This gives rise to temporary swelling or pain in the
joints. Involvement of joints due to this condition is discussed separately under Rheumatic
Fever.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Usually affecting preschool children or adolescents,
this condition is discussed fully under Rheumatoid
Arthritis.
Haemophilia
Children with clotting defects can also present with
swelling of a joint. A history of bleeding tendency in the child
or family history aids the diagnosis.
