Joint tap is needed to determine the etiology of acute arthritis.
An infection can destroy a joint, so treatment must be initiated rapidly. Acute arthritis is a serious condition. Failure to recognize and treat an infection can lead to rapid joint destruction. The disorders that require prompt, specific treatment are infectious and crystal-induced arthritis. Pyogenic infections of the joints in adults are seen primarily in the debilitated, the elderly and those who are parenteral drug abusers.