Symptoms of Staph Infection

8. Joint Problems

Sometimes, staph infections advance to septic arthritis, a condition that typically affects the knees, though it can also affect the hip, shoulder, spine, ankle, or elbow. Pain and swelling in the affected joint are common signs of septic arthritis, and the infected person's temperature may also rise. Septic arthritis can cause permanent bone damage, and even require amputation in extreme cases. People with previous joint problems, a history of trauma to a joint, or a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing septic arthritis.