Antibiotic treatment is started as soon as an infection is suspected, even before the laboratory has identified the infecting organism. Antibioties that kill the most likely bacteria are given first, then other antibiotics are given later, if necessary. Antibiotics are often given intravenously at first, to ensure that enough of the drug reaches the infected joint. Rarely, antibiotics are injected directy into the joint. If the antibiotics are appropriate, improvement usually occurs within 48 hours.

To prevent accumulation of pus, which may damage a joint, a doctor removes it with a needle. Sometimes a tube is inserted to drain the pus, especially if the joint is difficult to reach with a needle-a hip joint, for example. if drainage with a needle or tube is unsuccessful, arthroscopy (a procedure using a small scope to view the interior of the joint directly) or surgery may be needed to drain the joint. Splinting the joint can help ease pain at first, but physical therapy also may be needed to prevent stiffness and permanent loss of function.

Infections caused by fungi are treated with antifungal drugs, and a tuberculosis infection is treated with a combination of antibiotics. However, viral infections usually get better on their own. They require treatment only for pain and fever.

When an artificial joint becomes infected, antibiotics alone are usually inadequate. After several days of antibiotic treatment, surgery may be needed to replace the joint.

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