Could I have septic arthritis?

[kerpag]

Have always had a swollen knee since RA began it over the past 2 days it has become HUGE and hot with sooo much pain. Walking is almost impossible. Don't know if I should wait til mon for GP or use the 111 no?

[francherry]

You could call 111. But another option is if you call your doctor do they have an out of hours number to call? In my area it's Harmoni and means I can see an out-of-hours doctor that way. Although I have in the past been told to go to A&E after visiting Harmoni. Some A & E departments have an Urgent Care Centre / Urgent Treatment Centre if your condition is not life-threatening. If you can't wait until Monday you could go there tomorrow. When I was on immuno-suppressants and had really nasty side-effects I didn't hesitate to get medical treatment, if you can't wait til Monday I would seek a medical opinion elsewhere. Hope you feel better soon.

[helixhelix]

Do you have a rheumy helpline number? As probably worth also telling them. You've said you've had baker's cysts before...is it the same knee and full of fluid? As maybe need to get it drained. But meanwhile keep icing it, as that could help a tiny bit. Polly

[Hidden]

I would contact whoever your emergency health team is in your area because if it is septic arthritis it is pretty much an emergency. When I had a very intense pain and spasm in my elbow and wrist recently I phoned my GP's shortly before they closed for the weekend and a young locum saw me and confirmed that it was just RA doing strange things to my unlar nerve, entrapping it - not septic arthritis. But that was why she fitted me in - just in case - so I would contact 111 or whoever you are advised to over a weekend. Better safe than sorry I feel. It sounds horrible - hope you get some relief very soon. Tilda x

[kerpag in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I know what I should do but always feel I'm making a fuss. Had a bad night. Pain bad and meds did nothing so will phone for advice today

[Hidden]

Yes I really would. Don't feel bad - that's what doctors are paid large sums for! X

[earthwitch]

Yes, definitely call whatever emergency helpline is available in your area (NHS24, 111, out of hours doctors) and make sure they know how suddenly it has come on, and how different it is from your usual pain, and about the heat.

[tessintrouble]

Get it checked as soon as you can. I had septic arthritis in my left knee several years ago and had to have an op after they cleared the infection to remove the damaged bits. My symptoms were pain, swelling, hot and red to see and touch. The swelling was also down the back of my leg. They will take a sample of fluid from the joint to check what (if any) bacteria is present and treat it accordingly. I had streptococcus present and he (doc) joked that I had a sore throat in my knee!! It took copious amounts of anti-biotics to clear it, introvenous, then regular injections. I hope that it is not septic arthritis x

[kerpag in reply to tessintrouble]

Went to see out of hours Dr. Said its a nasty flare of RA. Given steroids and oromorph. Maybe I'll get some sleep tonight. Thanks for all messages x