ACUTE (SEPTICAL) ARTHRITIS AND WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Acute or septic arthritis may attack people who for sometime have had tonsillitis, decayed teeth, pus pockets around tooth roots, infection in nasal sinuses or mastoid cells or infection in the intestinal tract. Arthritis may be a complication of such acute infectious diseases as septicemia, rheumatic fever, erysipelas, scarlet fever, and several others. The disease is more common among young adult, and males are affected more than females. Acute arthritis usually begins rather abruptly; the fever rises quickly, and , at the same time, one or more joints become swollen and very painful, especially when moved. But the infection is localized in one joint. There is loss of appetite, marked thirst, profuse acid perspiration of a peculiar sour odor, and, in many cases, constipation. The urine is scanty and strongly acid. The swollen joint is tender and hot to the touch and may have a reddish appearance. If not promptly and properly treated, permanent stiffness and deformity of the joint may result. PRECAUTIONS 1. During the first day or two at most, ice compresses may be used thirty to forty-five minutes out of every hour. Wrap the compress or bag in a Turkish towel before applying.If no noticeable relief of pain is observed, discontinue the process. 2. Later, long continued heat application is helpful, whether if form of fomentation, hot-water bottles or any other method that is convenient to use. This is to be attended every night. 3. Protect the body against chilling 4. Take a liquid diet as long as fever persist. Eat little or no meat but plenty of fruits 5. Visit your physician for further medical care.