The medical term osteomyelitis refers to a bone infection. These types of infections occur when another infection reaches the bone through the blood or when an infection that already exists in tissue is near the area of bone. If a bone becomes exposed because of trauma to it, such as a break, an infection can ensue. The Mayo Clinic states that his once-incurable condition can be treated. The acute form of osteomyelitis usually affects children, while adults can suffer from chronic osteomyelitis.
Fever
As with most infections, osteomyelitis may cause you to experience a fever. If the fever is not connected to the flu or a cold and it occurs abruptly, it could be a symptom of osteomyelitis. This is a symptom of both the acute and chronic forms of osteomyelitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Pain
Osteomyelitis in both its chronic and acute forms also can cause you to experience pain and tenderness. This occurs at the site of the infection. The acute form of osteomyelitis may last less than several months, while the chronic form can continue for months or years. Pain may be associated with either for the duration.
Lethargy and Irritability
Other symptoms that may occur, particularly with children suffering from acute osteomyelitis, include lethargy, in which children do not appear to want or be able to move or be active in their normal manner. They also may become irritable because of the tenderness or pain of the affected area. In addition, children may experience redness on the skin over the infected bone, a sensation of warmth there, or the area may become swollen.
Drainage
Adults may experience the same symptoms that children do, as well as others. Adults may feel a loss of energy that results in fatigue that is chronic. If a wound is open near the bone infection, the wound may drain. The Mayo Clinic reports that if osteomyelitis is in deep bones, such as the pelvis, spine or hips, it may not have any noticeable symptoms. It is also possible to miss osteomyelitis because if it occurs with or after a bone fracture, the swelling and pain may appear to be coming from that rather than from the infection.
