Fungal Arthritis

...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!

Fungal Arthritis is an inflammation of a joint caused by infection by a fungus.


Symptoms:

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Joint pain

Arthritis

Swelling of the ankles, feet, and legs

Causes:
Fungal or mycotic arthritis is a very rare condition and may be caused by any of the invasive fungi. These organisms may affect bone or joint tissue. One or more joints may be affected, with the large weight-bearing joints, especially the knee, most commonly affected.

Conditions that may lead to this disease include the following:

Coccidioidomycosis

Histoplasmosis

Blastomycosis

Cryptococcosis

Candidiasis

Sporotrichosis

The infection usually occurs as a result of an infection in another organ, frequently the lungs, and tends to progress very slowly. Immunocompromised patients are more susceptible.


Treatment:
The objective of treatment is to cure the infection with antifungal medication. Amphotericin B or medications in the azole family (fluconazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole) are frequently used antifungal medications.

Advanced bone or joint infection may require surgical removal of infected tissue.


Outlook:
The outlook depends on the underlying cause of the infection and the patient's overall health. A weakened immune system, cancer, and certain medications can affect the outcome.

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...less medical jargon in a 'Quick Glance' format!