Bone infection (osteomyelitis)

Overview

In children it often affects leg bones and causes a limp and fever.

In adults it often follows foot ulcers or surgery.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Bone pain with fever

Less common

• Swelling
• Redness
• Drainage

Look up a symptom: Bone pain that's constant or worse at night, or a lump on a bone or deep in a muscle · Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: touch.
• Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

• Diabetes
• Recent fracture or surgery

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• MRI:
• Blood tests:
• Bone biopsy:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Take all antibiotics
• Keep wounds clean
• Control blood sugar

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until you've had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you're feeling better.
• For the next 5 days, wash hands often and wear a mask around others.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: A limp with fever needs same-day care.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most heal with full treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Bone infection (osteomyelitis)