Following sports safety guidelines for children, adolescents, and adults may help prevent some joint damage. Injuries and infections should be treated promptly. For example, a severe ankle sprain that is not properly splinted may lead to osteoarthritis. Untreated Neisseria gonorrhoeae\ bacteria. These infections are usually acquired through sexual contact. A gonococcal infection may also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. ',CAPTION,'Gonococcal Infections');" onmouseout="return nd();">gonococcal infections may lead to infectious arthritis.
If the arthritis progresses, joint function may keep declining. The person will have more joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The amount and rate of decline depend on the type of arthritis and how well the available treatments work.
Arthritis is not contagious. It poses no risk to others. If the arthritis is caused by an infection, such as gonorrhea, the infection may be contagious.