Do I Have Osteomyelitis?

Do you have pain and/or tenderness in a specific bone with overlying swelling, redness or warmth?

Do you have fever, chills, or you sweat profusely or generally feel unwell?

Do you have stiffness in the affected limb or inability to use it?

Do you have changes in gait (you avoid putting pressure on the painful leg while walking)?

Do you have drainage of pus (thick yellow fluid) through the skin?

Do you have lower back pain, especially at night (if the spine is involved)?

Have you had any type of trauma to the tissue surrounding the bone?

Have you recently broken (fractured) a bone or had surgery on a bone?

Do you have an artificial hip or a screw in the bone?

Are you a smoker, or do you have diagnosed diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or you receive hemodialysis?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone commonly caused by bacteria or fungi that can happen suddenly or develop slowly over time. It is a serious condition that can affect both adults and children. The best way to prevent osteomyelitis is to thoroughly wash and clean any cuts or open wounds on your skin. If you have a wound or cut that heals for a long time, contact your doctor to examine it. Be sure to maintain a good hygiene of the amputated area if you have a prosthetic implant. Consult with your doctor about any concerns.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or fungi. The infection could be spread through the bloodstream into the bone, or the bone may be exposed to infection during surgery or due to an open bone fracture. Osteomyelitis affects the long bones of the arms and legs in children, while the feet, spine, and hips are the most commonly affected bones in adults. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can lead to permanent bone damage. Please, contact your doctor for the evaluation of your symptoms. Treatment for osteomyelitis includes antibiotics, surgery, or both.