Osteomylelitis is a serious condition in which a bone becomes infected. This can happen when the bone is exposed during surgery or trauma. The Mayo Clinic describes other causes, including infection in nearby muscles, tendons or skin that spreads to the bone and an infection that reaches the bone through the bloodstream. These infections can affect people of all ages, and may be acute or chronic. Osteomylelitis may be caused by bacteria or fungi. The vertebrae, pelvis, jawbone, leg bones and bones of the upper arm are most often affected.
Fever
Fever may accompany osteomyelitis. This may be higher than 101 degrees and have a rapid onset in cases of acute osteomyelitis. Chills and sweating may accompany the fever or appear in its absence. Once a diagnosis has been made, the physician may order a fever reducer to treat this symptom.
Pain
Osteomyelitis can be very painful, leaving the patient unable to walk. The pain is often described as throbbing and worsens with movement of the bone. You may feel only mild tenderness when the site is touched or have no pain at all. A lack of pain may signal that blood supply has been cut off to the nerves around the bone. The physician may order pain medication after he has determined the extent of your infection.
Redness, Warmth and Swelling
The area around the infection may become swollen and feel warm to the touch. The skin may be reddened. This should improve as the infection is treated.
Feeling Unwell
Osteomyelitis can make you feel ill, partly due to your body working to fight the infection. You may be tired and nauseated and not feel like performing ordinary tasks. A child with osteomyelitis may be irritable and excessively tired. Rest is needed at this time in order for the body to recuperate.
Swelling of the Feet
The U.S. Library of Medicine explains that swelling of the feet, ankles or legs can be indicative of osteomyelitis. If this occurs, ask your physician if you should keep your feet elevated as often as possible while the infection is being treated.
Infected Sore
Signs of infection in an open sore, combined with several of the other signs, can indicate the likelihood of a hidden bone infection. A draining or foul-smelling wound will alert your physician to this possibility. As the bone infection is treated, this area should improve as well.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Osteomyletitis: Symptoms
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Osteomyelitis
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
