Use of mind-altering drugs, especially those that are injected. Prosthetic artificial joint. Prevention Protect exposed joints, such as the knee during activities involving injury risks. Obtain prompt medical treatment for infections elsewhere in the body. Usually curable with early diagnosis and treatment.
Recovery takes weeks or months.
Treatment delay may result in a badly damaged joint and loss of movement, requiring eventual joint replacement. Treatment involves antibiotic therapy with close medical monitoring of your progress through frequent cultures of joint fluid. Surgery to drain fluid or remove foreign material introduced by injury. Physical therapy after recovery to regain full use of the joint. Don't discontinue antibiotics until told to do so.