What is septic arthritis joint drainage?

After open drainage of a joint: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open.
• You have a drain, and it comes out.
• You are bleeding through your dressing. A small amount of blood is normal.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your arm or leg (called a deep vein thrombosis). These may include:
  • Pain in the arm, calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Redness and swelling in the arm, leg, or groin.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.